Speedo Cable Replace

jamiejim · 11-04-2003, 07:03 AM

My speedometer was jumping, so I decided rather than trying to lube the cable I might as well spring for the $25 to put in a new one if I was going to do the labor anyway. Does anyone know the easiest way, or any techie articles, on replacing the cable? Do I have to pull the instruments, or can I just push out the speedometer? I know I will have to pull the left front wheel to remove the dust cover. Thanks.

944Targa-fan · 11-04-2003, 07:31 AM

I don't think replacing the cable will cure the jumping needle, this is a result of wear in the speedometer unit.

For replacing the cable, first pop out the rev counter, and use the space to unscrew the speedo cable out of the meter. Then pull out the cable from the engine bay. I think you need to pull out the rubber grommet that guids the cable through the firewall. Use some WD40 on the cable as lubricant. Installation is the reverse of the removal. Use some sealant on the dust cover where the cable is attached.

Good luck

jamiejim · 11-04-2003, 08:02 AM

Sounds like I wasted my money on the cable, and probably need a new speedo head, which probably isn't cheap. I guess since I have the cable, I'll put it anyway. Thanks for the info.

Hans · 11-04-2003, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamiejim
Sounds like I wasted my money on the cable, and probably need a new speedo head, which probably isn't cheap. I guess since I have the cable, I'll put it anyway. Thanks for the info.

From my "good old" VW experience I dont think it is a waste. To be sure, cut the end of the old cable hub and pull the inner wire. (after replacement this is...

) No doubd you will find some strands broken.
TakeCare

kjp-924s · 11-04-2003, 10:14 AM

If you want to prove to yourself that the speedo is fine and it is the cable (which was the case for me), connect a drill to the input on the back of the speedo, and see if the needle moves smoothly from 0 MPH.

SoCal Driver · 11-04-2003, 11:51 AM

Replace the cable. Anything past 85.5 is an electrically driven speedo with it's own set of problems -- no cable.

If the speedo has been removed from the instrument cluster before then you most likely will be able to push it out from the back. Otherwise you have to remove the cluster.

If you have small hands you can reach up behind and unscrew it without pulling the cluster.

Be sure to get the clip back on the end of the cable and a bit of weather strip putty to seal it.

jtsporsche · 10-03-2009, 02:30 AM

bringing back an old thread cause i have a question.
waht kind of sealant or epoxy is reccomended to be used on the end of the speedo cable and the dust cap?

Luis de Prat · 10-03-2009, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtsporsche

bringing back an old thread cause i have a question.
waht kind of sealant or epoxy is reccomended to be used on the end of the speedo cable and the dust cap?

This is referring to the cable pin and clip that go through the front left wheel hub to make the speedo run on the early cars. I would just use something sticky but not permament, like a dab of RTV. Good luck with it.

jtsporsche · 10-03-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luis de Prat

This is referring to the cable pin and clip that go through the front left wheel hub to make the speedo run on the early cars. I would just use something sticky but not permament, like a dab of RTV. Good luck with it.

yeah i just bought the clip after delaying it for a few months after changing my speedo cable.
what does RTV stand for?

is there anything i can use that can be purchased at an auto parts store?

white924s · 10-03-2009, 02:42 PM

RTV is a kind of silicone sealant. Any decent auto parts store should have it.

83 944 · 01-11-2010, 07:05 PM

bring back thread. i have no idea how to remove the speedometer drive cable from the back of the spindle. i also have no idea how to put it back in.

please help me =[

GTSilver944 · 01-11-2010, 08:27 PM

Pull off the driver's side wheel. Remove the clip from the square nub (the end of the spedo cable) coming out of the dust cover. Pull the cable out of the spindle. Installation is the reverse...

83 944 · 01-11-2010, 09:16 PM

i didnt see a clip on a square nub but ill check tomorrow..thanksss

jtsporsche · 01-12-2010, 01:35 AM

Search again for a thread by xsboost on this subject, he did a great write up on cable replacement.

10-03-2009, 02:42 PM	#10
white924s Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	RTV is a kind of silicone sealant. Any decent auto parts store should have it. __________________ Mike H. 1987 924S - no sunroof and a couple modifications

01-11-2010, 08:27 PM	#12
GTSilver944 User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 495	Pull off the driver's side wheel. Remove the clip from the square nub (the end of the spedo cable) coming out of the dust cover. Pull the cable out of the spindle. Installation is the reverse... Last edited by GTSilver944; 01-11-2010 at 09:29 PM.

11-04-2003, 07:31 AM	#2
944Targa-fan User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 127	I don't think replacing the cable will cure the jumping needle, this is a result of wear in the speedometer unit. For replacing the cable, first pop out the rev counter, and use the space to unscrew the speedo cable out of the meter. Then pull out the cable from the engine bay. I think you need to pull out the rubber grommet that guids the cable through the firewall. Use some WD40 on the cable as lubricant. Installation is the reverse of the removal. Use some sealant on the dust cover where the cable is attached. Good luck

11-04-2003, 08:02 AM	#3
jamiejim User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 422	Sounds like I wasted my money on the cable, and probably need a new speedo head, which probably isn't cheap. I guess since I have the cable, I'll put it anyway. Thanks for the info.

11-04-2003, 11:51 AM	#6
SoCal Driver Super User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Costa Mesa, California Posts: 3,781	Replace the cable. Anything past 85.5 is an electrically driven speedo with it's own set of problems -- no cable. If the speedo has been removed from the instrument cluster before then you most likely will be able to push it out from the back. Otherwise you have to remove the cluster. If you have small hands you can reach up behind and unscrew it without pulling the cluster. Be sure to get the clip back on the end of the cable and a bit of weather strip putty to seal it.

10-03-2009, 02:30 AM	#7
jtsporsche User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Newport News, Virginia Posts: 1,367	bringing back an old thread cause i have a question. waht kind of sealant or epoxy is reccomended to be used on the end of the speedo cable and the dust cap?

01-11-2010, 07:05 PM	#11
83 944 User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Apopka, Fl Posts: 238	bring back thread. i have no idea how to remove the speedometer drive cable from the back of the spindle. i also have no idea how to put it back in. please help me =[

01-11-2010, 09:16 PM	#13
83 944 User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Apopka, Fl Posts: 238	i didnt see a clip on a square nub but ill check tomorrow..thanksss

01-12-2010, 01:35 AM	#14
jtsporsche User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Newport News, Virginia Posts: 1,367	Search again for a thread by xsboost on this subject, he did a great write up on cable replacement.