As above reply!  I've had to actually remove those spedo's, disassemble the internal mechanisms, and "soak" the "oilite" bearings; if you do, do so very carefully, as there are some delicate parts easily damaged beyond repair.

Those sintered-bronze "oilite" bearings are recommended to be thoroughly cleaned in solvent (I find that the quick-evaporating brake cleaner spray is very good at cleaning them; but, that spray WILL damage plastic parts; so, be very careful using it around the spedo), then "soak" those bearings in non-detergent Mobil #10 original oil, if you can find it.

Other oils may contain some paraffin wax which WILL clog the pores of the bearings, and dry-out much quicker again.  A proper oiling should last for another 50 years or so!

BTW, for calibration following a thorough cleaning and lube. rotate the cable input at exactly 1,000 RPM (using a calibrated mechanical tachometer) and slightly rotate the [internal] calibration spring, one way or the other, if necessary, to indicate 60 MPH at that 1,000 RPM input.

How it works: The input to the odometer is direct drive through appropriate gearing; the speedometer is driven through a directly-driven rotating magnet inside the steel "bell" which is coupled to the speed indicator pointer.  That rotating magnet induces a "counter emf" into the steel [acts as a very simple electrical generator] which causes the bell to want to rotate too.  The calibration spring provides a counter force to that rotational force on the bell. The rotational force is proportional to the input rpm's [speed], which is what gives us the proper indication with changing speed.

Hope this info. helps.

Regards, JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top

Thanks for the info.

Yup. There's a plug on the back of it that covers a felt wick. Remove the plug and saturate the wick with 3 in 1 oil or some such. While you're at it you may as well remove the cable and lube it, too. 

Hi, guys I have 55 Victoria and for the past 2yrs only when it starts to get cold the speedometer makes noise. Does it need lubrication? Thanks.