Speedometer grinding "pepper mill" sound?

[DL4567]

Hi everyone,

I'm thoroughly familiar with the workings of the speedometer system, cable, angle drive and such, but haven't found any info here on this specific type of noise.

For the past 7 years my speedo has been running silky smooth, quiet, no problems whatsoever. In 2008 I installed a one-piece cable, and *thoroughly* lubricated it at the time. Then a new angle drive in 2009. Ever since, there has been no bounce in the needle, and everything was quiet. Made my efforts feel worthwhile. :)

Until my last 3 drives in the car, when I've noticed the beginnings of a noise coming from the gauge cluster area. Increases and decreases with the speed of the car. It sounds like a grinding pepper mill, or a faint crinkling of tissue paper, if that makes sense. The speedo needle is still perfectly smooth, no jumping or ticking/popping noises like the usual stuff when there are cable/angle drive problems. Can anyone point me in the right direction before I go through the hassle of pulling the binnacle and cable again? Is it possible for the speedometer itself to make this noise rather than the cable and/or angle drive?

For what it's worth, the '93 Taurus I had as a teenager made this same noise, and it drove me crazy. I want to knick this one in the DeLorean before it gets any worse.

[DMCMW Dave]

Until my last 3 drives in the car, when I've noticed the beginnings of a noise coming from the gauge cluster area. Increases and decreases with the speed of the car. It sounds like a grinding pepper mill, or a faint crinkling of tissue paper, if that makes sense. The speedo needle is still perfectly smooth, no jumping or ticking/popping noises like the usual stuff when there are cable/angle drive problems. Can anyone point me in the right direction before I go through the hassle of pulling the binnacle and cable again? Is it possible for the speedometer itself to make this noise rather than the cable and/or angle drive?
.

Did you try and reset the trip odometer?

[DL4567]

Did you try and reset the trip odometer?

Thanks for your response Dave. No, I don't think I've ever touched the trip odometer once in my entire ownership. Guess I'll give that a shot during my next drive?

[DMCMW Dave]

Thanks for your response Dave. No, I don't think I've ever touched the trip odometer once in my entire ownership. Guess I'll give that a shot during my next drive?

Sometimes the gears just don't quite mesh and that might reset it. Just push straight in on the trip reset button, DO NOT try to turn it (that's how they break).

If that doesn't do it you may need to open up the speedo and figure out what plastic gear is about to break.

[David T]

Sometimes the gears just don't quite mesh and that might reset it. Just push straight in on the trip reset button, DO NOT try to turn it (that's how they break).

If that doesn't do it you may need to open up the speedo and figure out what plastic gear is about to break.

One thing I saw first-hand was inside the speedometer one of the plastic posts broke off with a metal clip still attached. It got attracted to the magnet and was jamming the speedometer. This could be what is also happening to you. If pushing the trip odometer reset doesn't help you are going to have to take the head out and open it up.

[DL4567]

Sounds like you guys are agreeing the cable isn't the problem. That's what I was hoping. Fingers crossed I don't have to open the speedometer.

[Gary]

Is the speedo cable rubbing against the inside of the front tire? My car made the same noise once.

Gary

[Dangermouse]

Derek, did you take the playing cards out of the wheel spokes?

[DL4567]

Well, I've taken the car for 2 drives over the last 2 weeks, and tried gently resetting the trip odometer each time. Sadly, it seems to have no effect on the noise. :(

Guess I have to take out the binnacle again and investigate the speedometer itself? Or possibly try re-lubing the cable? (even though it shouldn't need to be)

[Hokie]

Would love to hear an update on this topic.

[DL4567]

Haven't messed with it yet. Too many projects going on, but most of all it's been waaaaay too cold in the garage. I'm ready for February and this ridiculous winter to be over. Thanks for the interest though, when I know something I will be sure to update. Probably in the spring(?)

[PJ Grady Inc.]

The cold has a way of making Delorean speedo's act up in the noise dept. If you're that busy you may just want to wait for warmer weather as it may go away with some heat.
Rob


Haven't messed with it yet. Too many projects going on, but most of all it's been waaaaay too cold in the garage. I'm ready for February and this ridiculous winter to be over. Thanks for the interest though, when I know something I will be sure to update. Probably in the spring(?)

[DL4567]

The cold has a way of making Delorean speedo's act up in the noise dept. If you're that busy you may just want to wait for warmer weather as it may go away with some heat.
Rob

Thanks Rob, I'm sure hoping for that.