Replacing the speedometer cable on a 1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic

In this video, I'm replacing the speedometer cable on my 1985 Caprice Classic with a 5.0L 305cid V8 engine; ~153,170 miles. The symptoms were very loud squealing and squeaking sounds coming from somewhere behind the gauge cluster. It became so loud and so annoying that you couldn't even have a conversation in the car while driving!

As mentioned in the video, please see my other videos below for:

I purchased the speedometer cable from RockAuto, part # GM Genuine DEL 88959478. This is not sponsored by RockAuto or by General Motors.

[whoevertf]

This is the kinda car tutorial content we all need. Well done!

[hansalpers]

Thanks for the video. The speedometer cable on my 1980 Wagon also makes slight noises sometimes. In some time I will certainly have to change the speedometer cable. Good to see how to do that.
Greetings from Germany.

[turkeyssr]

Great job and, as usual, great video! Thanks!

[The_Hollywood_Mission]

QUESTION HERE.
I have an 85 Caprice Classic like yours but it's white, no vinyl top, how do I remove the Caprice logo, it is on the lower part or the roof back by the passengers door on each side. Is it just held on with double-sided tape

[l.a.w.g]

Can you do me a big favor? Can you do a video of a walk through on the engine bay? I bought a project 1984 caprice and cannot figure out where some wires go your video would be very helpful ! If you have time .

[boerenbrommer]

Great video, but man, how did get to that speedo cable? I followed all the steps for my '86, I can see the speedo cable from underneath but no idea how to reach the clip for unhooking it. The instrument feels loose but i cant reach around it. Its held back by the speedo cable / wiring harness. Thanks!

[quinterrusbenson]

QUESTION my speedometer only works in neutral how do i fix that??

[stonix]

So as i figure out, in the end only replacing the cable really helped?

Greetings,
Luke

[ajosew]

Hey I have a 77 impala and the speedo don’t work is this similar fix?

[doctordoom]

My '84 LeSabre yields drastically different part numbers for the cable from GM. I'm very apprehensive about ordering because I don't want to be knee deep and have the wrong part. I'm assuming your car does not have a 200-4r transmission, maybe a TH350? Apparently the cable for the TH400 is the same as the 200-4r.

[Nicholas-ikwb]

I’m trying to also add the stress about needing a video of the engine bay. I have an 85 two door I could eventually show one of mine but not untill I’ve got the majority of everything correct. But could you please show ALL THE BRAIDED GROUND STRAP CONNECTIONS. I have the factory shop manual just like you do and it does not show a legit diagram of the straps locations. It also specifically states to check the chassis/body service manual….ok I can’t find one for 1985 online from any source lol. I’ve seen possibly two braided straps (one of the back of both heads…mine is missing one on driver side) One from the heater core or water valve (either to accumulator or firewall I’m not sure at all which one it grounds to. Shop manual displays a braided ground strap from engine to body but does not specify from where….I will not trust my car is properly grounded untill I can figure these factory ground locations. If you could do a video showing yours that would be awesome.

[Ihatemushrooms]

Cool video. 😎 just noticed that my speedometer on my 78 Coupe deVille is off by 5mph. It'll read 60 mph while my GPS maps app will say I'm going 65...