The real problem is that the rotating parts in the speedometer have worn and
the noise if from the inner hub chattering. Lubrication buys some time.
Parts are plastic so you want a lubricant that will not eat them. I have
been lucky with the "Super Lube".
http://www.super-lube.com/synthetic-oil-with-ptfe-high-viscosity-ezp-56.html

Remove the speedometer and looking in the cable end you will see the parts
that turn. You need to get the lubricant between the inner rotating piece
and the housing. Be careful not to over lube and get it on the speedometer
face and stuff.

At some point you may need to get it rebuilt or replaced.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dick Wong
Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2015 5:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Noisy speedo

Well the weather in the SF Bay Area is finally getting cold for more than a
day.

Yesterday morning, the speedometer starts making a whirling noise as I head
down the street for the first drive of the day.  It's definitely coming from
the speedo.  As the drive goes on for more than a few minutes, the sound
will go away and not come back for the rest of the day.  This morning, the
same noise on the first drive of the day, and then eventually goes away.

I have lubed the speedo cable in the past (during warmer weather) and that
worked.  This is a different noise and I think it's from the inside of the
speedo.

So what do I lube and what do I lube with?

Thanks.

-Dick Wong-
78 Scirocco
Original Owner
87 Vanagon GL Syncro 2.5 (Blaze)
Third Owner
12 Golf TDI
Original Co-Owner