7 replies to this topic

[buttercup]

Hi

Apologies, this is most likely not a new topic but I cant seem to add to previous discussions. So I needed to replace my speedo cable. I followed the advice of removing the radiator then undoing the bolt on the brakcet that holds the speedo cable and drive into the gearbox. That was quite  a task!

 

i have purchased a new cable and bench tested the speedo by connecting the speedo end of the cable up to speedo, and connecting gearbox drive end to an electric drill. Then a careful press of the drill and the speedo needle works. 

 

My problem now is to connect the cable to the drive end - this is a square shaped pinion. The cable is also square ended, wrapped in wire. But the cable just wont push fit in. I want to make sure the connection is secure before going through the task of putting the drive pinion back in, remounting radiator etc etc..

 

i am surprised the gearbox end of the cable doesnt push fit into the pinion - bizarrely the other end does. The only thing I can think of is carefully taking some of the wire off the end of the cable and seeing then if it fits. 

photo shows the pinion - plus a strange bracket that was i think attached to the bolt?

Any ideas or suggestions most welcome

thanks 

 

 

 

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[sonscar]

Some drive square holes are slightly bigger(or smaller).do not attempt to modify the end as it is tightly crimped to shape and will tend to unravel.Unhelpful to you I know.
Does the cable fit into the gear when out of the car?Engagement is often poor and I find fitting the Speedo end last can work.Have fun.Steve..

[buttercup]

Hi thanks for that advice, I will try with an older cable see if that fits. i am trying to fit it all up before remounting into the car to avoid re doing the job...all good fun!

[Designer]

Hi Buttercup,

 

I had the same problem in that the square cable would not fit into the take off shaft. My solution was to file a small amount off each of the four faces of the cable. Test fit and continue doing so until the cable fitted with sufficient clearance so that it would not get jammed in the output shaft, I did put a dab of grease in the end of the shaft to help.

Regarding the odd shaped bracket. If you are referring to the U shaped bracket with a single hole to the left in the picture then this does indeed fit to the fixing bolt and helps hold the speedo drive take off housing in place. If you look at the Haynes Manual or the diagrams for the part on Minispares website you will see the correct way to refit it all.

[buttercup]

Hi Designer

thanks so much for that great advice - i will do that. And pleased to know where the bracket goes. Soon have my mini back together again! 

best regards 

[buttercup]

hi all latest problem! got the pinion and cable connected, but the bolt to secure the housing doesnt seem to fit ? I might have lost it..but does anyone know the correct bolt size for securing the pinion housing?

[mad4classics]

Should be 1/4"UNCx3/4"

[red81]

Before you put the rad on connect the gearbox end, jack her up so both wheels off the ground, car in neutral, turn wheel.  The cable should turn at the speedo end.  Also check the length of your cable and sleeve, I found the sleeve on the new one supplied was 10mm too long so the speedo didn't work, the cable could not reach properly.  So i used my old sleeve.  There are posts on the forum about this, my cable is a  GSD415 so yours may differ.