2 replies to this topic

[deanosaurusrex96]

Hi all, first time poster as for once I've finally found an issue that I couldn't find elsewhere on the forum!

I've just replaced the speedometer drive gears in my 1984 Mini City, as it had a 1275 A+ engine fitted and had never provided an accurate speedo reading. As soon as I did this, I started to find that the inner (wire) cable driving the speedometer was sliding down the outer (plastic/metal) sheath, and disengaging from the speedometer almost as soon as I started to drive, until it was flush with the grey ferrule between the inner and outer cables. Of note is that this was initially accompanied by a clicking/ ticking noise.

I added some PTFE tape to get a more secure fit in the speedometer end as a temporary measure, which was sufficient for a couple of days (and cured the ticking noise) but I've now found that whenever I park up for even a couple of hours, the cable disengages again.

It no longer retracts fully into the outer sheath, just enough to disengage from the speedo and then has to be pulled out and refitted before driving. It seems to be OK while driving at least for the 20 mile trip to work.

I've ordered a new cable, but I'm concerned about this issue carrying on, is there anything I can do to prevent it if it reoccurrs with the new cable?

Of note also is that the odometer drive worm gear in the speedometer has started to spin on the shaft at the same time as this happened. I've bought a secondhand speedometer (same TPM) to rectify this which has all happened after changing the drive gears (which are working fine, and turn the cable without issue) and after the car was laid up for 6 months during rear end collision repairs.

TIA!

[Spider]

Hi and Welcome to the forum !

 

At the top end of the speedo cable (speedo end) there should be a nylon bush, it's fitted to the inner cable. It's that bush that usually positions the height of the cable. Some of these are pressed on and you can, with some force, move them down. By the sounds of it, it's only just missing out, so it shouldn't need moving much.

Those that aren't pressed in place ace cast on the cable, I doubt you'd move one of these without breaking it. You might need to get creative and think of a way to pack it out.

[Lplus]

Hi and Welcome to the forum !

 

At the top end of the speedo cable (speedo end) there should be a nylon bush, it's fitted to the inner cable. It's that bush that usually positions the height of the cable. Some of these are pressed on and you can, with some force, move them down. By the sounds of it, it's only just missing out, so it shouldn't need moving much.

Those that aren't pressed in place ace cast on the cable, I doubt you'd move one of these without breaking it. You might need to get creative and think of a way to pack it out.

The bush might have become loose and slipped upwards.  I had that and had to replace the cable as the bush was way too loose to reposition.