Speedo cable seized on

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Michael Bridge - 27 Jan 2004 11:45 GMT

Hi Folks

A familiar problem - I have a 1987 Mini with a Metro engine. The
speedo cable snapped behind the instument panel so I need to replace
it. Unfortunately the 'nut' which holds it on to the gearbox is stuck
on rock solid. I have tried putting my long skinny arms down the side
of the radiator to get to it, and attacked it from beneath, but I can
never get a really good grip on it.
I did a workaround and just replaced the internal cable but
unfortunately the replacement cable I bought was shorter than the
original and I have had to cut off some of the outer sheath and
transplant the connector back on to make it mate with the back of the
speeedo. Something isn't quite the right length and it has now stopped
working. Conclusion: I need to get the end of the cable off the
gearbox. Don't particularly want to take it to the garage but maybe
they will have a tool that I don't.

Any ideas? One I just thought of would be to do it with the engine hot
but I'm not too keen on getting burned.

Mike.

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Steve - 27 Jan 2004 14:21 GMT

> Hi Folks
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Mike.

Can you get at the bolt next to the cable that holds the plate on the
gearbox? I think it a 7/16" AF if I remember correctly. Remove this and the
plate will come off the gearbox with the cable attached. You can then raise
the end to get at it easier. Replace the gasket when you refit it.

Signature

Rgds
Steve
steve@dsnclassics.co.uk
www.dsnclassics.co.uk

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k - 01 Feb 2004 21:45 GMT

Hi
there is another way.
Jack up the car and remove the NS front wheel.
If you look through the arch you will see the speedo cable nut. Take a long
screwdriver and place it against the knurling on the right hand side of the
nut. Give the screwdriver a few taps with a hammer and it should shock the
nut free.
Keith

Reply to this Message

Michael Bridge - 02 Feb 2004 13:01 GMT

> Hi
> there is another way.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> nut. Give the screwdriver a few taps with a hammer and it should shock the
> nut free.

That sounds like a good idea. Will give it a try.

Thanks,

Mike.

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Michael Bridge - 09 Feb 2004 16:35 GMT

> > Jack up the car and remove the NS front wheel.
> > If you look through the arch you will see the speedo cable nut. Take a long
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Mike.

Nope! Even that didn't work! And I gave it a good few taps with the
hammer. I even found a better way at getting to it with my hand and it
still wouldn't budge. Looks like I'll have to take it to the garage!
(Good luck to them!)

Mike.

Reply to this Message

Steve - 09 Feb 2004 17:44 GMT

> > > Jack up the car and remove the NS front wheel.
> > > If you look through the arch you will see the speedo cable nut. Take a long
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Mike.

Can you get to the bolt (7/16" AF) next to the cable nut? If so, removal of
this will free the cable complete with the output gear cover. You can then
loosen the nut out of the car.

Signature

Rgds
Steve
steve@dsnclassics.co.uk
www.dsnclassics.co.uk

Reply to this Message

Boink - 10 Feb 2004 05:19 GMT

> Can you get to the bolt (7/16" AF) next to the cable nut? If so, removal of
> this will free the cable complete with the output gear cover. You can then
> loosen the nut out of the car.

Yes, surely he can remove the plate that holds the output gear in position.

Reply to this Message

Michael Bridge - 10 Feb 2004 13:05 GMT

> Can you get to the bolt (7/16" AF) next to the cable nut? If so, removal of
> this will free the cable complete with the output gear cover. You can then
> loosen the nut out of the car.

I can see it! But that's about all I can do. Can't get a spanner or
socket wrench to it.
Definitely going to the garage. I might suggest this approach to them
though.

Thanks,

Mike.

Reply to this Message

Boink - 10 Feb 2004 16:49 GMT

You should be able to reach it from above or below. Using a spanner is slow
but it works from below.

> > Can you get to the bolt (7/16" AF) next to the cable nut? If so, removal of
> > this will free the cable complete with the output gear cover. You can then
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Mike.

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