Speedo cable

[david.bradley]

Hi
I've needed to fit a new cable.
With the gearbox end disconnected, spinning the gear anticlockwise causes the speedo needle to jump, so I take it the replacement cable is OK.
When though you push back into the gearbox oil filler, the speedo doesn't register any movement when you spin a wheel, I've even tried with the engine running.
Is there a technique to getting the gear to mesh? - on both the old and new cables there was 1/4 inch of free movement on the gear, which may or may not be the cause of the difficulty.
Does a speedo register when spinning just one wheel?
Thanks

[Simon_P]

The O ring is a tight fit and you may not be getting the gears to mesh and pushing it fully in. If this happens the gear sits on top of the drive gear and the housing won't go all the way in.

[muley]

Stupid question, but I ask anyway. Is the car in gear when you run the engine? Not sure it makes a difference anyway?

Jim

[david.bradley]

Hi
Thanks both
I had heard it is easy not to push fully home - but I think I have.
I tried not in gear, then thinking that may be the cause, I did try in gear (it's on axle stands at the moment, so had to be careful).
Only the offside (right) wheel is spinning as the left disc has rusted whilst stood. Anyone know if the drive is from the left side of the diff?, which would explain everything.
Thanks again

[Tanz]

I have the suspension off on the passenger (left) and have refilled the gearbox with fresh oil. Fitted new O ring to the speedo cable but can't get it back in. Just spent 2 hours trying but no joy Is there any special method? Does the body have to line up with the flat on the retaining plate?

[Tanz]

I have the suspension off on the passenger (left) and have refilled the gearbox with fresh oil. Fitted new O ring to the speedo cable but can't get it back in. Just spent 2 hours trying but no joy Is there any special method? Does the body have to line up with the flat on the retaining plate?

OK - panic over - its in.
For anyone else doing this, from the left side wheel arch, I managed to reach the cable with both hands by pushing my hands over the gear box and pushing down using a rotating motion, managed to get it partially in. Then, partially in frustration, got a long bar, passed it through the engine bay and rested the end on the flange of the speedo drive and gave it a couple of light taps. Went straight in. Guess you have to be confident that the gears are meshing before giving it a tap.

[BertBeck]

I replaced my speedo cable today and its a bit of a nightmare with access being the biggest problem.
It turns out my cable wasn't broken after all but went ahead and replaced anyway.
For anyone struggling with it, moving the coolant header tank and removing the air intake hose makes access easier and shining a torch down back of engine helps.
You'll need a long extension bar to reach the 10mm nut which holds the retaining plate in place. Once removed the housing should just pull out, you might need to pry it with a stubby flat head.
Remove other end at speedo gauge by taking binnacle off top of dash, lifting spring clip under where the cable meets the gauge and pull cable out. Pull cable through bulkhead from engine bay side taking rubber grommet with it.
There is a retaining pin in the housing which needs to be tapped through if you need to remove the plastic gear. I wrapped a small towel around the housing and gripped it gently in a vice and tapped pin out using a centre punch to get it started, then a pop rivet or drill bit slightly smaller than the hole to push it through. Replace O ring with a new one.
Check gearbox oil level is OK before replacing housing back into gearbox. It might need tapping home gently ensuring gear has meshed then replace retaining plate, spring washer and nut. This should be torqued by rights (check wiki for details).
Trying to feed the other end of the cable through bulkhead into position behind gauge is a headache. Dont forget to replace rubber bulkhead grommet onto cable before refitting. Had to lie down on back in footwell and look up underneath dashboard to see where cable end was going. Youll probably need a helper. Once located behind gauge make sure spinner inside cable is central then it should just push on up to the hilt. The retaining clip will hold it in place.