Replacing Speedo Cable

[a_d_jackson]

I need to replace my speedo cable. Whilst I can just about reach where it attaches to the gearbox I would need to be double jointed to disconnect and reconnect the new one.

Hints and tips welcomed!

[mk1]

This job is easy if you have an arm with 2 elbows.

Other than that, I don't have any useful tops.

I too would like to hear any suggestions as to how to do this in situ.

[timmy201]

I had one of the nylon threaded bosses on my gearbox, which meant as you threaded on the cable end it’d get super tight.

My solution was to remove the “bush assembly - speedo pinion” complete with the cable, then replace the speedo cable and then reinstall. You can reach the bolt from underneath

It’s also an option to only replace the inner cable if they outer is in good condition and the same length as the new one

[Polarsilver]

my experiences are to take off the drive shaft coupling & that will enable your one hand & slip pliers to get near the Knurled Nut on gearbox end of the Speedo Cable.. ( assuming the speedo cable is of that type).
Other way is to take out the Radiator & then get to the speedo cable end.

[Peter Laidler]

Or, raise the bonnet and raise the engine and gearbox with a jack under the gearbox until it JUST lifts the front wheels clear. That extra inch makes JUST enough clearance to get a single elbowed arm in to undo the knurled nut. Might make it a bit easier to remove front left wheel.

That's how I did mine, but was able to use a pit.

[Tim]

Its a shocking job. Those fine threads always have grit in them and are hard to undo by hand at the best of times, if you could even get your hand in there.

I will need to replace mine soon, so when I had the manifold off recently I loosened it off, in the hope that it helps when I have the replacement cable. With the carby and manifold out of the way there is a little more working room.

Tim

[Andrew1967]

I’ve got to replace the speedo drive pinion on my S … really NOT looking forward to that but last thing I want to have to do is take the radiator out.. hoping to get at it from underneath.

[Peter Laidler]

Definitely the way to do it Andy - from below.

[roger mcnab]

hi
it is always a problem when they build the car around an item that needs to be repaired all cars have it one way or anothermy old laser the oil filter is only accessable from underneath a right pain in the butt no easy way well good luck
cheers roger mcnab

[AndyPen]

Mine's apart on the bench at the moment, so I took of a few pics of it that may help you to visualise it.

The seal in the nylon cover has just been replaced btw, so that is not 'loose' in the parts shown.

Hope they help?

speedo drive holes.jpg

speedo gears n bushes etc.jpg

Speedo drive parts sm.jpeg

[a_d_jackson]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I managed to get to it by putting my arm straight down on the right of the engine.
Fortunately I managed to unscrew it from the nylon cover by hand.

However! It appears that the cable broke just inside the pinion
I removed the nylon cover but the bush is jammed solid and I can't remove the pinion.

I tried modifed a socket so it "locks" into the bush, but still couldn't get it to shift.

Suggestions that don't include removing the engine?

IMG_0022.JPG

[Ronnie]

Small magnet

[Polarsilver]

Had same few weeks ago the square cable end will not be that tight in the socket .. i took a pair of fine pointed Tweezers & pushed down on the corners of the broken bit & tighten the tweezer.. out it came bit like pulling teeth