Speedometer is shaking!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 10:05 AM
  #1  
jdm4drSi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Default Speedometer is shaking!

For a while now, my speedometer has been shaking as it moves. It started doing this about 6 months ago, worked perfectly prior.

Last weekend, I went in and pulled the speedometer off to grease it, as tech's suggested it needed lube. So I smothered it with grease and popped it in.

Problem.

Now, when the needle moves it shoots up and down as it's rising. Before, it would vibrate as it rose. Did I grease it too much? What type of grease or lube is used and how much?

I pulled the cable and it's in good shape, it was just dry when I pulled it, but zero damage and perfectly healthy. What's going on? HELP!
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 10:06 AM
  #2  
jdm4drSi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Default

Also, looked up the threads, I couldn't find anything relating to my problem. If anyone knows of a thread that discusses this, please post it!
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 10:45 AM
  #3  
Jonathan_ED3's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Tejas
Default

Well they are cable operated and over time the entire system doesn't stay very tight.

Most EF's (and EVERY other car with a cable operated tach or speedo) I've ever seen have a vibrating needle. It's just a byproduct of it's cable operation.

Replacing the cable may not even help the matter - it's probably actually a problem with the internal regulation at the meter.

Does it bother you that bad?
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 11:30 AM
  #4  
Loaded Butane's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1
From: Abilene, TX
Default

I have/had the same problem. On my original cluster it did it BAD and then I swapped to a CRX Si cluster and it stopped for a while and now it does it again only not as bad as before with the old cluster.
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 11:58 AM
  #5  
gospeedgo1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
From: Northern, CA, usa
Default Re: (Loaded Butane)

mine does the same thing, it actually throws a code for the speedometer. i may get a replacement gauge cluster
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 07:34 PM
  #6  
dsnONE's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Philly, USA
Default Re: (Jonathan_ED3)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jonathan_ED3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Does it bother you that bad?</TD></TR></TABLE>
lol most of the hondas ive had never had working speedometers..
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 07:50 PM
  #7  
T2KU's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: GA, USA
Default

mine is doing the same thing but only like below 10mph

I just don't even pay attention to it
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 08:11 PM
  #8  
beana's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: napoleonville, louisiana, usa
Default Re: (T2KU)

hell mine doesn't even move untill i'm doing at least 15 mph
one day i was changing my tranny oil and i tried to pull the gear to fill it up needless to say that didn't work and i had to fill it through the reverse sensor
but anyway i accidentaly pulled out the actual cable and it never worked right since
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 09:31 PM
  #9  
jdm4drSi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Default

It kinda does... reminds me how old mah car is... :\

And it would be a shame to replace a 4guage jdm 4dr cluster.
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 11:16 PM
  #10  
meandino's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork, Utah; El Dorado Hills, CA
Default Re: Speedometer is shaking! (jdm4drSi)

mine made a winding noise sometimes and not all the time.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 06:48 AM
  #11  
IwantaGlock18's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Metro ATL, GA
Default

Mine does that. It does it so bad that my speedo needle broke off. So now to judge my speed, I have to look and see where the little line is pointing ( the middle of the needle is still there, but not the needle itself) and estimate. Also when it is cool it sounds like a bunch of crickets live in there. Ha, the random noises of the EF.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 07:55 AM
  #12  
jdm4drSi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Default

Welp! Good news...

I'm happy to report that upon taking it on the freeway, the needle now moves smoothly. My guess is that the inner coil wire needed to smother itself at high rpms to spread the grease evenly.

So, problem solved.

Just a pointer to anyone checking this out, if it doesn't work, the inner coil is probably broken.

If it vibrates, it needs lube; pull it out and grease it. After that, take it on the highway to spin the cable up at high rpm's to "spread it even". ... And bam, needle should work.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 08:27 AM
  #13  
meandino's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork, Utah; El Dorado Hills, CA
Default Re: Speedometer is shaking! (jdm4drSi)

Cool maybe I'll try that on mine.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 08:30 AM
  #14  
~sp33~'s Avatar
EFB055
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,249
Likes: 14
From: Brisvegas, QLD, Australia
Default FV-QR

I remember pouring heaps of WD40 down the tube with the cable in it. Fixed it right up.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 08:34 AM
  #15  
meandino's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork, Utah; El Dorado Hills, CA
Default Re: FV-QR (~sp33~)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ~sp33~ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I remember pouring heaps of WD40 down the tube with the cable in it. Fixed it right up.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's a good idea as well. You just disconnect the cable that goes to the tranny and pour it down there?
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 01:04 PM
  #16  
jdm4drSi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Default Re: FV-QR (meandino)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by meandino &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

That's a good idea as well. You just disconnect the cable that goes to the tranny and pour it down there?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Unplug from tranny, pull the coil out a bit, and start spraying. Keep in mind though, that you might have to spray a lot down there, then there's the possibility of parts of the wire toward the front wont get lube.

It's best to pull it out and grease it, pop it back in gently and slowly, connected to the tranny and then take it on the highway and rev it up to 75mph+.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 02:14 PM
  #17  
Loaded Butane's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1
From: Abilene, TX
Default Re: (IwantaGlock18)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IwantaGlock18 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Mine does that. It does it so bad that my speedo needle broke off. So now to judge my speed, I have to look and see where the little line is pointing ( the middle of the needle is still there, but not the needle itself) and estimate. Also when it is cool it sounds like a bunch of crickets live in there. Ha, the random noises of the EF.</TD></TR></TABLE>

haha My needle snapped in half on my original cluster.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 04:32 PM
  #18  
grog's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 1
From: Humboldt, ca, usa
Default Re: FV-QR (~sp33~)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ~sp33~ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I remember pouring heaps of WD40 down the tube with the cable in it. Fixed it right up.</TD></TR></TABLE>


FYI WD40 is not a good lubricant as it is a multi purpose product, all it has going for it is massive brand recognition like duck tape (which is also a terrible product).
WD40 is okay to clean parts with but it is not a heavy duty lubricant, if you use it wipe it clean. its okay for lubing up a door hinge or other small items, and I would not use it to lube anything else.

http://bicycletutor.com/no-wd40-bike-chain/

try a silicone lubricant or any can that is "soley" a lubricant.


and whats with the FV-QR? I see this alot but cant find a definition.

Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 06:32 PM
  #19  
~sp33~'s Avatar
EFB055
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,249
Likes: 14
From: Brisvegas, QLD, Australia
Default Re: FV-QR (meandino)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by meandino &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

That's a good idea as well. You just disconnect the cable that goes to the tranny and pour it down there?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I pulled it from the back of the speedo, and it ran down toward the tranny.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by grog &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


FYI WD40 is not a good lubricant as it is a multi purpose product, all it has going for it is massive brand recognition like duck tape (which is also a terrible product).
WD40 is okay to clean parts with but it is not a heavy duty lubricant, if you use it wipe it clean. its okay for lubing up a door hinge or other small items, and I would not use it to lube anything else.

http://bicycletutor.com/no-wd40-bike-chain/

try a silicone lubricant or any can that is "soley" a lubricant.


and whats with the FV-QR? I see this alot but cant find a definition.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

wd40 worked fine for me, but if theres something better out there then sure, you should use it.

FV-QR

F.ire V.ortex Q.uick R.eply.

It's an add on for HT and some VW website.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 06:48 PM
  #20  
grog's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 1
From: Humboldt, ca, usa
Default Re: FV-QR (~sp33~)

thanks

and wd40 is probably fine for this application. but I would use it to clean the cable and then use a better lubricant after.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 08:24 PM
  #21  
thisiskev's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Battle Ground, WA - Tucson, AZ
Default Re: FV-QR (grog)



<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by grog &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


FYI WD40 is not a good lubricant as it is a multi purpose product, all it has going for it is massive brand recognition like duck tape (which is also a terrible product).
WD40 is okay to clean parts with but it is not a heavy duty lubricant, if you use it wipe it clean. its okay for lubing up a door hinge or other small items, and I would not use it to lube anything else.

http://bicycletutor.com/no-wd40-bike-chain/

try a silicone lubricant or any can that is "soley" a lubricant.


and whats with the FV-QR? I see this alot but cant find a definition.

</TD></TR></TABLE>


how can rag on duct tape. its the greatest stuff ever made next to the microwave and zip ties.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 09:15 PM
  #22  
grog's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 1
From: Humboldt, ca, usa
Default (thisiskev)

sure it is usefull but you could use any other tape.
the problem with duck tape is when you're done with it, the tape comes off fine but the adhesive isn't coming off without a fight.


try some "gaffers" tape instead

Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 09:24 PM
  #23  
EFstyle's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 937
Likes: 2
From: Slinger, WI
Default Re: (thisiskev) (grog)

as crazy as it sounds... I would actually recomend using some MX bike chain Lube... stuff does the job... and wd-40 most deffinitly dosnt! you put that stuff on a bike chain before a race and you better have a new chain on order...
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 09:55 PM
  #24  
jdm4drSi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Default

I used Mobil 1 Synthetic grease, worked like a champ.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2008 | 05:31 AM
  #25  
~sp33~'s Avatar
EFB055
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,249
Likes: 14
From: Brisvegas, QLD, Australia
Default Re: (thisiskev) (EFstyle)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EFstyle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">and wd-40 most deffinitly dosnt! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Must've been a complete fluke that it fixed my car.

I'm not saying it's the best, but it definitely got the job done.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DraginTeg93
Acura Integra
9
Dec 4, 2008 10:00 AM
KhmerdudeSiR
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
13
Nov 12, 2008 01:52 PM
jakscivic
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
3
Dec 17, 2006 03:04 PM
Ronin150
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
4
Jun 5, 2004 04:44 AM
DOHCRX
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
2
Mar 28, 2003 08:22 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:25 AM.