FITTING SPEEDO CABLE.

[neil4030]

I know how to fit the cable at the speedometer end, that side of the job is straightforward. I see on the new cable that has just arrived that the gearbox end is a larger version of the speedo end, suggesting an easy fit. Never done it before though and access looks awkward due to chassis rail. I was wondering how to go about the disconnect/new connection of the cable at gearbox end. Any advice would be great thanks.

[neil4030]

Embarrassed to have even asked this question. No wonder no one replied! Just fitted it and I think it was the simplest job I have ever doe on the car. New speedo now works perfectly.

[rayofleamington]

The gearbox end is v. similar, but more fiddly as you need to do it from under the car (dirty & oily / poor visibility / less room to work)

from memory (it's been a while) you feed out a few inches of the inner from the outer and slide it into the drive socket. Then push the outer up to the gearbox and do up the collar.

For the speedometer end the speedo can be removed by loosening the mounting screws (there should be access holes in the glove box liner - it needs a cross head screwdriver but however knowing what to unscrew is difficult if you've not had the speedo out before). When the screws are loose, the speedo can be pushed out by wiggling your and up behind it in the dash (not fun) and shoving hard, or the nastier way of using a flat bladed screwdriver round the edges of the face.

before fitting the new cable, check why it broke - often it is because the speedo drive seized up, so changing the cable is only going to lead to more pain if that is not sorted.

also you need to lubricate the cable - I've used grease, but it's also just as good to use oil.

[philthehill]

Only put a minascule ammount of oil/grease on the inner cable otherwise it will work up into the speedo head and cause problems.

[neil4030]

Fitted cable no problem earlier today. I didn't lubricate the cable ends though; thought never occurred to me! Is this likely to be a problem? Don't fancy taking it all off again so hopefully not.

[brucek]

It should be OK Neil - as phil says - you only need a very small amount of lube anyway. The continual motion of the inner cable encourages the oil to track back into the speedo head and too much oil just sends your head funny

Worth getting hold of a copy of the original workshop manual and/or Haynes manual from e bay so you can assess the jobs you want to do and what's involved. The Haynes manual is a little simplistic and misses out some of the technical detail and some of the photo's are quite poor quality, so the original WSM and Haynes together will give you a good idea of what to do and how to do it.

Minors are very forgiving cars so don't be afraid to have a go and, if you get stuck, you can always ask here for assistance - Good Luck

[rayofleamington]

Is this likely to be a problem? Don't fancy taking it all off again so hopefully not.

I've only heard of a problem once where the cable was fitted bone dry and got noisy / sticky within a the first few months.

[JiimyO]

Could someone advise me on how to get the speedo cable out of the gearbox end...I have undone it, but it won't budge..Thanks

[philthehill]

Once the nut on the end of the speedo gear housing assy (Pt No: 22A71) is undone the cable should pull away from the speedo gear (Pt No: 2A3420).
Have you undone the speedo gear housing assy and not the speedo cable nut?

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/external-gearbox.html

[mogbob]

Hi JiimyO
Welcome to the forum. You found a previous thread on your topic but it's always best to " start a new thread " for your question. Old threads tend to be ignored a bit. " New " threads excite a bit of interest.

So the main collar, holding the outer cable of the speedo cable , is undone. Does your outer cable move with the collar held off the thread or is that effectively held there by dirt and grime ?
Try a good clean up , rag , degreaser, meths , paraffin, whatever you have to hand. Spray it with WD40 or similar and very gently tap with a rubber hammer or a hammer ( handle end ).Wiggle the outer cable gently to and fro as you do this. Then spray the inner cable . Wiggle this , in and out and rock it a fraction only , side to side. A gentle pull ... keeping it in a straight line..... should have it free.
The cable does not need a 2 lb club hammer approach , it will break.Treat gently.
Bob

[JiimyO]

Thanks so much for the replies ...philthehill and mogbob...I have undone the screw on collar of the cable and I am able to pull it back to see the inner steel part of the cable going into the gear box ..the outer cable is free moving from the inner part of the cable...Do I need to take the plastic nut off too..The one with the thread on that the cable attaches to?//thanks very much..Jimmy

[mogbob]

Hi JimmyO
The website [url]http://www.moss-europe%20.co.uk[/url] Part No GSD 115 is the cable you are attempting to move.
Under Morris Minor ...External Gearbox parts diagram , " flagged " by Phil's earlier reply and website linked, you will see where the cable fits into the side of the gearbox.
A search on Google images for " Morris Minor gearbox speedo removal " shows the connection with the knurled collar end
( the larger end of the cable ) undone and loose.
Having got to this stage , a tug on the outer cable should easily release the inner cable. From the pictures you can see this should be a solid square ended affair. No other nuts should be removed.
As suggested before , spray with WD40 if the gentle tug doesn't release it and try again ( tapping it gently if you like but don't go overboard on it ).It just " sits " in the square hole of housing assembly of the pinion part 22A71 ( mentioned by Phil ).

Deep breath , read the advice again , having studied the pictures and diagrams. Then dive back under the car again. Clean up
the cable end , once removed and put a dab of grease around it before reinstalling / or putting a new cable in.

Report back if it is firmly stuck despite all your efforts and we'll advise further. Which part of the world are you in ?
Nearest Town is sufficient to see if willing local help might problem solve for you.
Bob

[JiimyO]

Well I managed to get it out, well kind of..The spindle that it fits in came out with the cable and the cable is still jammed in it..If I manage to get it out of the spindle is it Ok to just put the spindle back in? ..The plastic cog is not on the spindle, sorry for saying spindle so many times!!Oh dear...

[JiimyO]

Thanks Bob for your time...I do appreciate it...All the best Jimmy

[mogbob]

Jimmy
Is the speedo cable still attached to the car at the speedo end or have you taken it all out now?
If still attached , pull the housing out from the gearbox and put it in an old plastic ice cream carton , suitably wedged /
placed by the top of the engine at the front , radiator area.
Soak the join ... square end of inner cable ( knurled collar out of the way taped to the outer cable ) with the pinion housing.
Ideally Plusgas releasing fluid but WD40 should work as well. An overnight soak would be good. Once it has had chance to work it's magic ,wrap the housing end in an old shirt / large rag , so you can grasp it without damage and wiggle the end free.
Take care with it because I see from the Moss website one new part of the set up is listed at £154. Not in stock now but what a
bargain ????? Don't panic , much cheaper second hand ones are available.

Once separated you can clean up the parts with degreaser , inspect and re-install if no damage. Grease the clean parts sparingly before re-installing. Post a photo if you not sure.
Bob