Speedo Cable or Transmission Where is Noise Comming from?

[Nitrate]

1981. 2000. Can anyone describe the noise a faulty speedo cable makes? I'm hearing a type of grumbling sound that I can only hear below 5-10 MPH, stops completely when at rest car running in neutral. Clutch in or out does not make a difference. It slowly winds down as the car slows then stops. Hoping it's not trans related. It does not pop out of gear and I really don't hear the noises above 30 MPH. Thanks, RB

[lglade]

I'm not sure that my speedometer cable made a noise, but when it was on it's way out, the speed indication needle on the gauge vibrated a lot, regardless of the speed.

[KevAndAndi]

You know those emergency radios and flashlights that have no battery - they're powered by a crank? A whining speedo cable makes a sound similar to the cranking of one of those gadgets. It may just need lubrication.

[RRoller123]

Could be the driveshaft support bearing. You could try turning the driveshaft from underneath with the car in neutral and maybe hear something?

[blusmith]

My speedo cable makes a ticking sound that speeds up slowly in relation to road speed Not engine speed. Your noise might be the ball bearing in the drive shaft that carries the gearbox drive shaft end. Not fatal and very satisfying to get it out and exchange it but what a job !!
Chris

[spidernut]

Unlikely it is the speedo cable.

Get under the car and inspect your transmission mount, your flex disc (use a very bright shop light to inspect for cracks), center support and U joints. Also, check your wheel bearings for both condition and lubrication.

[DieselSpider]

Snapping or ticking sound when the speedo cable is on its way out.

[Nitrate]

I'm thinking now that the speedo cable may have been acting as a conduit broadcasting the noise into the driving compartment and not the source of the noise. Make any sence? RB

[Nitrate]

Turns out the noise was a bad left front wheel bearing. A lot better than transmission problems . Thanks to all who posted. RB