speedometer cable

[gareth]

Speedo cable broke again. This will be the third one this year. They have all broken just above the speedo drive. I saw somewhere that a generic speedometer cable core from an autoparts store can be cut and crimped to just replace the core. Can anyone confirm this, and is there a metric/Japanese/import version that I should be searching for?

Thanks,

G.

[TADracer]

I have seen them at Pep Boys in the Help Parts section but I will not vouch for the quality.

Now the bigger question...Have you figured why you are breaking so many cables? It is not unusual to go many years without cable failure as long as it is properly lubricated and the 'spinner' inside of the speedo turns very freely. Both of these should be lubricated at least once a year. Methinks you might have a problem inside your speedo. Your cables are breaking in the normal spot but your cause may be up at the other end.

[gareth]

I took the speedo apart a couple of years ago to free it up. I followed the techtips and cut the speedo box apart to access the guts. Everything was fine until last year about this time when the needle and then the dial started shaking so much that it shook the dial screws loose. Fixed that and installed a new cable. I think you are right, time to service it one more time. I also think that the cold weather plays a part here with the speedo lube hardening up enough to cause problems. Was thinking of washing out the stock lubricant and replacing it with something "slicker"...

[natemoen]

Agreed. Figure out why you are breaking cables.

[motoman]

Had my speedo cable break two years after buying scoot new. At work, having access to make repairs I made up a new cable cutting correct length off the roll. Tinned the end back with solder as far as it would be stomped square. Placed ends in mandrel and struck hard with a hammer. The speedo end fit perfect. The other end I used some brass shim stock and re-stomped it so as to make squared end a bit smaller. Figured everything being metric in measurement was the cause for having to mash that end a bit smaller.....wasn't much, just enough thousands larger that it would not start in. I steam cleaned the inside of housing, wiped some Souix air gun lube on cable, installed cable in housing and put back on bike. Has worked perfect ever since with not so much as a needle bounce and verified dead-on accurate at all speeds. I remember that needle looking like it was gonna get flung off its mounting pin with the original cable hanging,winding up and turning loose inside the housing prior to it braking. I grant you the replacement cable I used may have been a better quality than whats available today, but has never been an issue since. The key to it not breaking just beyond the squared end is to use a small propane torch or similar and inpregnate that first inch on each end with solder, making the end more solid prior to squaring it using the hammer style mandrel. That particular incident and many other associated with torch use and welding of all types was taught to me by the welder in the shop who was also a metalurgest, which eventually lead to my welding certification. JAT that may help resolve the issue.........

[LoHo]

I broke mine a few months ago. The port where it enters the back of the speedo houses a receiver for the square end and is supposed to spin. Mine was badly rusted up. Cleaned it up with PB Blaster and other lubes and no problems...with that, anyway.

[DiverRay]

I have used the "short" replacement cable from an auto parts store. They work well, as long as the speedo is lubed. If the outer housing is good, just replace the cable itself.