How do I Install a Speedometer Gear Cable?

If the speedometer stops working, you may need to replace the speedometer cable.

Older cars and trucks used a speedometer cable that connected the speedometer gauge in the dashboard to the transmission. The spinning of the transmission would spin the cable, which then turned the gauge in accordance with the speed of the vehicle. These cables could stretch or break over time, and if they did, then you needed to replace the speedometer cable entirely. This way, the gauge could still read accurately.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement speedometer cable
• White lithium grease
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Reach behind the dashboard and find the speedometer cable leading into the back of the speedometer gauge. Unscrew the speedometer cable from the dashboard with your hands.

2. Pull the cable down out from the dash and locate the cable in the middle of the speedometer cable housing. Pull the cable out of the housing with the pliers.

3. Lubricate the replacement speedometer cable with the white lithium grease. Insert the replacement cable into the housing and push it into place with your hands and the pliers until it goes all the way into the transmission.

4. Lift the speedometer cable back up behind the dash and then screw it into the back of the speedometer gauge with your hands.

References

• "Chilton General Motors Full Size Trucks 1980-1987 Repair Manual"; Michael M Carroll; 1994