How do I remove the speedometer cabla from the cluster

islander · Post by **islander** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 6:57 am

Legacy is a 94 auto FWD.
I needed to replace a bulb and decided to clean the cable to fix the noise that it was making and its erratic movement. I pulled it a couple of times but it didn't came out. Is it necessary to remove something else like a clip or a screw?

BTW I moved the gas needle from were it was. Will it go back to where it was or do I need to fill the tank and move it all the way up? It moved back to 1/4 tank but I think it was a couple of clicks up.

Thanks in advance.

PS How do I clean the cable? WD40, graphite or what?

magicmike · Post by **magicmike** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 4:27 pm

just pull on it lol. It fits so losely that usually just pulling the cluster out of the dash is enough for it to come out. good luck getting it back in! I use a long set of needle nose pliars and get at it from under the dash.

ericem · Post by **ericem** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:52 pm

Find someone with small hands, that can fit there, hand up into that area.

BSOD2600 · Post by **BSOD2600** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 9:59 pm

I just pulled mine apart last night because the speedometer cable broke. I ended up undoing the speedocable at the tranny and feeding some of the slack back into the car through the firewall. That enabled me to pull the gauge cluster forward enough so I could undo the speedo cable with my hand.

Just picked up a new OEM speedo cable from the dealer for $67! ouch. Not looking forward to feeding that bitch through the dash and firewall again tonight.

Splinter · Post by **Splinter** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:38 pm

FYI: My speedo cable broke after disconnecting it about 7-8 times using the 'just pull the cluster out' technique. Be careful.

MPtyza · Post by **MPtyza** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:01 pm

Actually, I've found that it isn't all that hard to reconnect the speedo cable. I mean I don't exactly have the smallest hands or arms, but I just shoved my arm up in there, with the panel under the steering wheel in place even, and had just enough room to move my hand around to plug it back in. Not to say it's easy either, cause it can be a real pain. I had to do it at least 4 times with my Legacy, though I can't remember why I took it out the first time

islander · Post by **islander** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 2:23 am

MPtyza wrote:Actually, I've found that it isn't all that hard to reconnect the speedo cable. I mean I don't exactly have the smallest hands or arms, but I just shoved my arm up in there, with the panel under the steering wheel in place even, and had just enough room to move my hand around to plug it back in. Not to say it's easy either, cause it can be a real pain. I had to do it at least 4 times with my Legacy, though I can't remember why I took it out the first time

So what everyone is telling is that there's no clips, twist or screw holding it and I just have to pull it out, right?
Then, how am I supposed to clean it? Pour in some lubricant inside?
Thanks everyone.

MPtyza · Post by **MPtyza** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 5:18 am

Yeah, just pull it out. I'd try and get a hand up in there to hold the cable as you pull the cluster, or pull the cable away from the cluster though.

BSOD2600 · Post by **BSOD2600** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 8:44 am

Personally, I'd give the speedo cable some slack (undo the cable at the tranny and feed some in through the firewall). Then the gauge cluster will have enough play so you can place one hand on the back, and another on the cable and detach it.

The new oem speedo cable looks a little different too from what my car has. Haven't tested driving yet, but a brief spin with my hand on the cable made the speedo briefly move. Oh yea, I also found out it's easier to feed the speedo cable through the back of the dash if you have the climate control set to defrost (vs heat/vent). My cable broke right after that little bend in the cable where it attaches to the dash...

Old cable

New cable

islander · Post by **islander** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:51 pm

Thanks for the pics. Now I now better with what I'm working with.
Do you have a pic of the inside of the plug?

BSOD2600 · Post by **BSOD2600** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 8:33 am

Sure, here is the end that goes into the dash (the cable that spins has been removed).

islander · Post by **islander** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:21 pm

[quote="BSOD2600"]Sure, here is the end that goes into the dash (the cable that spins has been removed)./quote]
Thanks again.

1990 Legacy L Owner · Post by **1990 Legacy L Owner** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 2:02 am

What do you clean with? Any techniques work best for cleaning. I have that rattling sound coming from my speedo cable and I'd like to clean it.

TIA

Post by **Legacy777** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 2:41 pm

You're cable needs lube.....pull the cable out, and use a lightweight grease. If you want to clean the sheathing out, spray some brake cleaner in there, and use compressed air to blow the gunk out, and evaporate the brake cleaner.

Radial GT1 · Post by **Radial GT1** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 10:05 pm

^Oh, good info. When my car is cold, and i mean COLD, -15 or so it makes the most god awful sound untill it warms up. thanks

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How do I remove the speedometer cabla from the cluster

How do I remove the speedometer cabla from the cluster