1955 Cadillac speedometer removal

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Okay so my speedometer has started making the dreaded buzzing noise and it jumps around when its cold.  Once the interior is warm it functions as it should.  I assume its time for a rebuild/repair.  I was looking at the back plate for the instrument panel and it looks as if the whole assembly is held in with one screw?  Is it possible to remove this unit without having to pull the cluster?

[signart]

Have you already serviced the cable?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Art I have not

[signart]

I recommend removing the cable and lubing that before removing the speedo assembly.  It must be removed from the back of the speedometer from under the dash. Cover upholstery, as withdrawal of the cable from the
cable housing can be like handling a grimy snake.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Yes, as Art says clean the cable. We ran some brake clean thru the cable housing and some pretty heavy gunk came out.
My skinny son was able to reach behind there and get the cable off without a problem. I just sat back and ate a donut while he did it..... Still not sure why I couldn't get back there myself.
Jeff R

[signart]

Speedometer cable issues, broken, splintered, stuck etc can result in damage to the speedometer. Best to attend to the maintenance of the cable before this happens.

[Lexi]

My good buddy Larry Blanchard showed me that the 1956 cluster has a lubrication point usually overlooked. Unfortunately this can only be seen with the cluster out of the car and the rear shell totally removed. Then visible and close to the speedo cable connection, is a tiny flat brass fitting that looks like a miniature freeze plug, (perhaps 1/4" in diameter if memory serves). Once pried out a drop or two (max) of oil is recommended. No mention of this in the shop manual Larry said, nor could I find a reference to it in the '56 Serviceman index. Not sure if the same on '55, but worth investigating. Clay/Lexi

[Bob Kielar]

The needle on my 55 was jumping around. I replaced the cable but that did not help. What I had to do was remove the gauge cluster gain access to the speedometer remove all the hardened grease clean and re lube the gears that was six years ago and has been working fine.

Keep Cruzin,

Bob Kielar

[1956 Caddy]

My 56 was jumping and making a terrible noise and I gave it a squirt of PB Blast and been working great for the last 3 months.