Speedometer questions

[Machinos]

My speedometer went out last week (I assume it's the speedo itself, it was making scratchy noises for a bit, then it started shooting up to 120mph when I hit 40mph and making a lot of noise, then the needle disappeared and I disconnected it so it'd be quiet). I can get another one easily enough, but I'm wondering about the odometer part.

My car has about 98,500 miles on it, and the speedo I found to replace it has like 43,000. Is there any way I can keep my odometer and just replace the speedometer guts? I seriously have no idea how these things work, all I know is that the cable screws into the back of the speedo unit.

Failing that, is there any way to manually set the odometer without breaking anything?

[DrJ]

A dry cable will do that, or a speedo with dr bearings...
get some cable lube from a parts store that has worn through spots on the formica counter top and unfasten the cable housing at the speedo, pull the cable out and lube it and put it back in, then do it again because putting it in leaaves allthe first grease job at the top of the housing. then test it. if it still bounces you'll have to learn what makes a speedo tick inside.

[desertratrodder]

Put in the other one to make sure its not the cable thats making the noise. It can flip the needle all over if its sticking. A speedo shop should be able to transfer the mileage.

[voodoo]

Test the speedo with the cable chucked in a drill. Some speedos you have to run the drill in reserve. You should be able to tell if it's the cable or the speedo making the noise. And lube it like the Dr. said.

[Lionheart]

More then likely it's the cable and cable housing thats dry or damaged but if it is your speedometer and you have to replace it, i could set your odometer for you. Just let me know if i can help.

[Machinos]

Hmm...if it were the cable, wouldn't it have kept making noise after I unplugged it?

Maybe I should get this aftermarket one for $20 off ebay anyway, a new one is like $70 NOS.