Replaced speedometer cable, still not working
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: Dayton, OH
Replaced speedometer cable, still not working
Well, finally got a break in the weather, I replaced the speedometer cable today, and had a hell of a time getting it off the back of the cluster. Problem now now is, it still doesn't work. I know the gear is good and seated properly, I'm wondering if the gauge itself is bad? Is it possible that the cable was seized onto the cluster and now won't grab the new cable when it's seated?
It was REALLY hard to get out, required pliers and brute force. I think a new gauge might be in order. Has this happened to anyone before?
Thanks!
It was REALLY hard to get out, required pliers and brute force. I think a new gauge might be in order. Has this happened to anyone before?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: Dayton, OH
Ok, looks like the speedometer housing won't grab the new cable, stripped out. Looks a JB Weld job coming up, and other other solutions? Perhaps silicone? I mean cables are cheap, and it might just require me to dislodge the cable from the transfer case instead of the dash if I need to get back into it.
Or, time for the LED dash upgrade?? Used gauges look expensive and not worth the effort !
Or, time for the LED dash upgrade?? Used gauges look expensive and not worth the effort !
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 340
From: Wildwood Pa
If you have the cluster out, you can easily test the speedo head. It is as simple as spinning the back of the speedo with your fingers. Spin it counterclockwise, you should be able to get the needle to jump 10-15 MPH. Or, pull the core out of your old cable, cut the speedo end off about 6" long. Chuck it in a drill, insert the other end into the speedo, spin counterclockwise, the needle should move.
The socket for the cable in the speedo is metal, & the end of every cable I've seen is plastic, so I can't imagine the speedo being worn to where it wouldn't grab the cable.
It is possible to have a bad speedo head, maybe 1 out of 50 I come across is bad, & doesn't work.
It is easy to replace the speedo head if you have the cluster removed. I have tested good used 85 MPH speedo heads, as well as a NOS 100 MPH head if you need one.
It is often easier to install the cable to the cluster if you disconnect the cable at the transmission or T case, & feed some of it up into the dashboard. Plug the cable on to the cluster, install the cluster, then hook the cable to the transmission or T case. You can spin the cable before you plug it in to the trans, & verify that the speedo is working.
The socket for the cable in the speedo is metal, & the end of every cable I've seen is plastic, so I can't imagine the speedo being worn to where it wouldn't grab the cable.
It is possible to have a bad speedo head, maybe 1 out of 50 I come across is bad, & doesn't work.
It is easy to replace the speedo head if you have the cluster removed. I have tested good used 85 MPH speedo heads, as well as a NOS 100 MPH head if you need one.
It is often easier to install the cable to the cluster if you disconnect the cable at the transmission or T case, & feed some of it up into the dashboard. Plug the cable on to the cluster, install the cluster, then hook the cable to the transmission or T case. You can spin the cable before you plug it in to the trans, & verify that the speedo is working.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: Dayton, OH
If you have the cluster out, you can easily test the speedo head. It is as simple as spinning the back of the speedo with your fingers. Spin it counterclockwise, you should be able to get the needle to jump 10-15 MPH. Or, pull the core out of your old cable, cut the speedo end off about 6" long. Chuck it in a drill, insert the other end into the speedo, spin counterclockwise, the needle should move.
The socket for the cable in the speedo is metal, & the end of every cable I've seen is plastic, so I can't imagine the speedo being worn to where it wouldn't grab the cable.
It is possible to have a bad speedo head, maybe 1 out of 50 I come across is bad, & doesn't work.
It is easy to replace the speedo head if you have the cluster removed. I have tested good used 85 MPH speedo heads, as well as a NOS 100 MPH head if you need one.
It is often easier to install the cable to the cluster if you disconnect the cable at the transmission or T case, & feed some of it up into the dashboard. Plug the cable on to the cluster, install the cluster, then hook the cable to the transmission or T case. You can spin the cable before you plug it in to the trans, & verify that the speedo is working.
The socket for the cable in the speedo is metal, & the end of every cable I've seen is plastic, so I can't imagine the speedo being worn to where it wouldn't grab the cable.
It is possible to have a bad speedo head, maybe 1 out of 50 I come across is bad, & doesn't work.
It is easy to replace the speedo head if you have the cluster removed. I have tested good used 85 MPH speedo heads, as well as a NOS 100 MPH head if you need one.
It is often easier to install the cable to the cluster if you disconnect the cable at the transmission or T case, & feed some of it up into the dashboard. Plug the cable on to the cluster, install the cluster, then hook the cable to the transmission or T case. You can spin the cable before you plug it in to the trans, & verify that the speedo is working.
Thanks for the help!
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: Dayton, OH
If you have the cluster out, you can easily test the speedo head. It is as simple as spinning the back of the speedo with your fingers. Spin it counterclockwise, you should be able to get the needle to jump 10-15 MPH. Or, pull the core out of your old cable, cut the speedo end off about 6" long. Chuck it in a drill, insert the other end into the speedo, spin counterclockwise, the needle should move.
The socket for the cable in the speedo is metal, & the end of every cable I've seen is plastic, so I can't imagine the speedo being worn to where it wouldn't grab the cable.
It is possible to have a bad speedo head, maybe 1 out of 50 I come across is bad, & doesn't work.
It is easy to replace the speedo head if you have the cluster removed. I have tested good used 85 MPH speedo heads, as well as a NOS 100 MPH head if you need one.
It is often easier to install the cable to the cluster if you disconnect the cable at the transmission or T case, & feed some of it up into the dashboard. Plug the cable on to the cluster, install the cluster, then hook the cable to the transmission or T case. You can spin the cable before you plug it in to the trans, & verify that the speedo is working.
The socket for the cable in the speedo is metal, & the end of every cable I've seen is plastic, so I can't imagine the speedo being worn to where it wouldn't grab the cable.
It is possible to have a bad speedo head, maybe 1 out of 50 I come across is bad, & doesn't work.
It is easy to replace the speedo head if you have the cluster removed. I have tested good used 85 MPH speedo heads, as well as a NOS 100 MPH head if you need one.
It is often easier to install the cable to the cluster if you disconnect the cable at the transmission or T case, & feed some of it up into the dashboard. Plug the cable on to the cluster, install the cluster, then hook the cable to the transmission or T case. You can spin the cable before you plug it in to the trans, & verify that the speedo is working.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: Dayton, OH
Well, took gear out of T-case, put cable onto speedometer, used drill - Baaam! Works fine! Put gear back into T-Case and now nothing works...again! I'm assuming there is a bad gear in the transfer case at this point.
It's ok, I have to replace the output seal anyhow!
It's ok, I have to replace the output seal anyhow!
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