The speedometer cable should NOT be lubricated, especially if it is new. Make sure the cable is routed correctly and does not have any sharp bends... i.e., make sure that after you push the instrument cluster in place, you gently pull down the cable down below, by the brake pedal.
Anyway, Commercial Speedometer in West Sacramento can repair it if necessary... they work on VDO units. You can ship it to them if you don't want to drive up there, but it's only 1-2 hours from the Bay area (depending on traffic). They're competent, but I'm not sure sure about inexpensive...
