Speedometer rebuild?

[jpcapoc]

My speedometer started jumping around, then the next day started squeaking and within an hour died completely. I heard that they can be rebuilt. Does anyone know who can do this? Or is it better to just get a used one?

[BLUNT]

sure its not the cable???

[jpcapoc]

I don't know whether it's the cable or not. I really don't know what symptoms a bad cable would exhibit compared to a speedometer. Do you know how I could check the cable without replacing it?

[Guest Anonymous]

Remove the instrument cluster, disconnecting the speedo from its cable. Pull on the end of the cable; if it comes out of the housing, it's broken. Just to make sure, jack up a rear wheel (or both if you have a limited slip) and support the car on stands, start the engine, put it in gear and see if the cable turns. If it doesn't, it's broken, or the drive gear in the tranny is stripped (it can be replaced from outside the tranny).

If the speedo itself is bad, there are several shops that advertise in the Roundel that they repair mechanical speedos.

cheers

mike

[jpcapoc]

Thanks Mike,

I did unscrew the cable from the speedo, and I could rotate it freely with my fingers even though it's hooked up to the trans. Does that indicate that it's broken? Didn't think to pull on it, I did this before I got your message.

What's bugging me is that the speedo itself started squeaking just before it stopped. The squeaking was definitely coming from the speedo.

Sorry for the ignorance, but what's "Roundel"?

[Mike Self]

speedo end for several turns 'cause it'll "wind up" like a rubber band; but if you turned yours for awhile I'd say the cable was probably broken, or the plastic drive gear in the tranny is stripped.

I'll bet the squeaking you heard was really the cable--it's transmitted up thru the cable, and the speedo housing acts like a megaphone to amplify the sound. In any event, I'd run the speedo by hand (use a small screwdriver blade or a nail filed to fit the speedo drive slot chucked in a reversed power drill to make sure th speedo is OK. You don't want to break another cable.

And the Roundel is the BMWCCA club magazine. Ask around on the board for experience with speedo repair shops.

cheers

mike

[jpcapoc]

Thanks Mike,

Makes sense. I'll check out the cable more thoroughly before I replace the speedo!