Replacing speedo cable -- hit a snag.

[mwhyte]

Hi all --

New around here and hoping you can help.

The speedo on my 83 R80 RT was jumping and making a rattling sound. I was told that it was most likely a problem with the cable so I ordered a new one from Max BMW and went about replacing (took the tank off etc).

Attaching the bottom end to the transmission casing was the easy part, thanks to a video from Brooks Airhead Garage (great resource: https://www.youtube.com/c/Motorcyclesan ... reload=102).

But, when I went to pull the cable out of the back of the speedo itself, once I got the nut off it seems that the pin is jammed inside the speedo somehow.

My question is: How much force do you typically need to pull the pin out of the back? It seems pretty clear that this is the problem, but I don't want to damage the speedo trying to get the cable out. At the same time, if I don't get it out the new cable isn't much use. So before I yanked it too hard I thought I would see if anyone has had a similar experience.

Also, I've never known what the little adjustment dials on the bottom of the speedo casing are for; and Clymer is no help, either. Can they be helpful in extracting the pin somehow?

Thanks in advance.

[PAS]

It is a slip fit and shouldnt take any great force to install or remove it. Sounds like it started to slip inside that connection piece.

[gspd]

PAS is correct. The cable should just slide out after removing the knurled nut.
It might have been jammed in or just corroded in at one point in its life.

I'm not aware of any little adjustment dials on the bottom of the speedo casing, can you post a pic?

[SteveD]

First thing I'd do is dribble some thin oil down the cable. A little bit at a time as it'll make a mess otherwise. If it helps then easy.

If it helps a little but not totally, then maybe the speedo needs some maintenance.

Give the cable a decent tug. It'll come out.

[Rob Frankham]

It may help to grip the end of the cable housing on the speedo with a pair of pliers then twist the cable (with another pair of pliers) in the opposite direction to normal rotation. If the cable end or housing is worn, the cable could have twisted slightly and become jammed.

Rob

[PAS]

Perhaps something broke inside the speedo and jammed the gears thus making the cable twist and also jam at the connection.

[SteveD]

Snowbum suggests

"If you have a jumping needle on either instrument, first clean & lube the instrument, especially the gears & shaft bushing on the speedometer."

https://advrider.com/f/threads/airhead- ... t-32457369