Speedometer Squeaking

[Ranger_xs1100]

My 79 SF speedometer is making mild but annoying squeaking sound. It is RPM variable. Mostly noticeable when coasting to a stop. When I remove the black square thing that I have circled in red, the squeak goes away. Has anyone had this problem and if so, found a fix for it? In the meantime, am going to swap out that black rectangular thing, whatever it is. Thanks.

[bikerphil]

That is the reed switch for the self cancelling turn signals. You can omit it if you don't use/like that feature. Just remove and put a piece of tape over the hole.

[Ranger_xs1100]

That is the reed switch for the self cancelling turn signals. You can omit it if you don't use/like that feature. Just remove and put a piece of tape over the hole.

Thanks Phil, I tried two other speedometers and they all make that chirping noise, which makes me think that may not be what I am hearing from somewhere up front when I'm riding and coasting to a stop. I don't think it's the front brakes that is causing it, because if I apply a little pressure, I can still hear the whining/squeaking. The noise winds down as the bike slows down. And I can still hear it when I put the bike in neutral and even hear it when I shut the engine off while coasting. I lubed the speedometer a bit since I had it off, so we'll see what happens.

[Socer4m]

Howdy Bob, I had that noise way back, it was the speedo cable at the bottom, it needed a good lube in the input, and light oil on the cable,,,,also had that noise on an xj1100, the plastic gears were getting worn out and it made a lot of screeching before it finally disintigrated internally,,,140,000 miles did it in I guess. Anyway, try taking off the cable and go for a spin,,,if its quiet you can narrow it down to cable or connection. Good luck, keep us informed,,,Mike in San Diego and Pa

[LAB3]

Lubing the speedo drive probably wouldn't hurt.

[DEEBS11]

I have also had old dried up wheel bearings make similar noises at low RPMs. It could also be the speedometer sender.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Thanks Guys, I lubed the speedometer sender/drive gear and the low rpm coasting noise is gone! I appreciate your help.

[auxtian]

From Steptoe in Australia

[Ranger_xs1100]

Thanks auxtian. Interesting video. I did grease the speedo as well, using this nifty needle tip on the grease gun. So it could have been either or both the sender and the speedo that was causing the annoying noise.