Speedometer noise

[amatco]

I finally got my 81 H running like a dream. However I am getting a annoying clicking noise coming from my speedometer. I do not know if its the cable or something in the guage itself. The speedometer seems to be working OK except for the clicking noise. I see a problem coming but I do not know what to do.
Has anyone had a similiar problem?

Allen

[Ken Talbot]

Sometimes the speedometer drive gear unit does not get set properly into place when the front wheel is installed. There are two fairly delicate 'prongs' on the gear unit that are supposed to mesh with a couple of slots. If they've been forced or broken off, the unit may slip a bit once in a while. Something similar can happen if the cable end fittings at either end are not tight.

[amatco]

Thanks Ken , I will check it out and let you know.


Thanks again, Allen

[Jerry]

Speedo noise can have at least 3 sources. Here are a few things to check.

Drive gear at front wheel. Make sure it is mounted to axle properly. You can remove the drive, take out one snap ring, remove the gear inside, and grease the shaft the gear rides on. My gear was making a noise that got worse as it warmed up; clean and grease took care of a lot of the noise.

Speedo cables tend to fail at the crimped ends that hold the connectors in place, both at the wheel and at the speedometer. The inner cable rubs on the outer housing, causing a bind that results in cable noise or a flutuation of the speedo needle. You can try removing and lubing the inner cabe (I use wheel bearing or white lithium grease) but if the outer cable husing is starting to go a new cable is in order.

Speedo itself has a couple problem areas that thow up as they get older. Mostly in the reset assembly, which has a spring and a few pivot points in the linkage. If these 'hang up', the mile rollers contact the reset mechanism, causing noise. Below is a photo of my XJ speedo taken apart; I had rust build-up in the reset shaft. Cleaned, lubed the shaft and lighty oiled the reset links and pivot points (sewing machine oil) and reset now works smoothly and cleanly.



In the XJ speedo there may be a screw that is to long and can come in contact with moving parts. This was reported by another list member. If you take your unit apart, check for this problem as well, though I have not heard of it being a problem in XS units.

If you find the source of the noise, let us know.

[amatco]

Thanks Jerry,

I am checking out the simple things first. The photo and info you supplied will help alot. This group has certainly helped me a great deal. I will let everyone know how things workout. Maybe I can share some of my experiances repairing my XS1100 to someone else in the group who may have a problem that I have solved.

Thanks again, Allen

[Jerry]

[QUOTE]Maybe I can share some of my experiances repairing my XS1100 to someone else in the group who may have a problem that I have solved.[/QOUTE]

Thats what its all about...we've all been there before! Good luck.