Speedometer Cable

[Warbucks]

I've recently had my speedometer refurbished. The guy who fixed it told me that there were a couple of smashed gears inside, possibly caused by a faulty cable. If the cable is indeed faulty it may cause damage to the speedometer and void the warranty on it, therefore I'm going to replace the cable with a brand new one.

My question is, how do I remove the cable from the gearbox end? Obviously it has something to do with the plastic part which seems to lock the cable in place at the gearbox. I'll bet it's an easy task, but I'm not prepared to guess how its done. Thank you in advance.

[Barry]

The bolt originally used to secure the battery earth cable acts as a cotter pin to hold the speedo cable in place. With the bolt removed the cable and plastic part you refereed to just pulls out.

Be very careful re-torquing this bolt as the threads are easy to shear. Many relocate the earth cable to another gearbox bolt which removes the risk.  

[Warbucks]

Thanks Barry. Just one more question if I may? Does a brand new speedometer cable need to be lubricated before installation? Sorry, that was two questions!   [smiley=embarassed.gif]

[Barry]

Speedo cables are nylon lined so I believe not. My 79 has never been lubed and I'm still on the original.

[montmil]

Perhaps order up a new rubber speedo cable boot if yours is kinda raggedy. Get the Vaseline out as an install aid. That will help prevent tearing the new boot.

[Warbucks]

Many thanks again lads. I've ordered the cable and the rubber boot. It should be here and installed sometime today. Vaseline is a "must have" item to carry around in the tool box. Not only does it serve as a good temporary sealant/lubricant, but it can be also used to ruin your worst enemy's night.

There's nothing more frustrating than having a mechanically sound vehicle, but you cannot use it. Simply apply copious amounts of Vaseline to a rag and apply it to the windscreen and all windows of your arch-nemesis's car. It's not likely that he or she will be carrying the solvent or enough rag to clean it off, so you can rest assured that they will not be able to drive home due to restricted vision. Trying to wipe the mess off the glass without solvent will only spread it around.  [smiley=laugh.gif]

Vaseline is your friend!

[smiley=beerchug.gif]  [smiley=beerchug.gif]  [smiley=beerchug.gif]

[thrang]

The Vaseline on the windscreen prank, now there's a blast from the past. If you alter your earth fastening slightly you can reattach it to the gearbox mount and not have to worry about stripping the speedo drive bolt.  

[Tony Smith]

The Vaseline on the windscreen prank, now there's a blast from the past. If you alter your earth fastening slightly you can reattach it to the gearbox mount and not have to worry about stripping the speedo drive bolt.  

I feel obligated to point out that with reasonable care you won't strip the speedo cable/earth bolt either. OTOH if you are likely to strip the existing bolt, you are almost as likely to strip the gearbox bolt too.

The better approach in my less than humble opinion is to learn to use spanners without stripping bolts :-)


P.S. Tony, good to see you in the Facebook airheads group, a group that sadly is becoming substantially distracted in displaying abominations that should, if there were any justice, result in the perpetrators of such bastardry on innocent motorcycles being horse-whipped.