Instrument Cluster Removal Problems
 

Had a bit of good weather today so I went out to lube my speedo cable as per information I got from my original post: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/236857-ghost-noise-screeching-dash-possessed.html. From the description in the thread, I thought it would be a simple process but I cannot shove the instrument panel out from the back further than about an inch. What gives? Is there something else I need to do first?

Raise the hood. The speedometer cable goes through a clamping device. Release the clamp and that will give you the extra slack you need. Oil pressure tube will be the next tight connection. Use two wrenches to avoid damage.

Also, be carefull of the connector behind the gauges. It likes to come apart rather than unplug. That releases a bunch of pins (12 I think) that are a PITA to get back in the right spot.

You can reach and undo the speedo cable from underneath the dash. If it's been a while since it's been out, it can be a pita, and I don't mean the bread. Try alternating sides too, and sticking the tongue out the other side of the mouth.

I always reach up around the ignition and unscrew the cable. I take everything loose from under the dash so i don't risk breaking anything.

I don`t seem to get enough slack on the spedo cable undoing the clamps, and trying to get my hand between the cluster and the dash to unscrew the collar.

I undo the clamps, but also take the cable out of the trans. this will give you the most slack.

Charlie

x2. The tongue really helps too. :D

Yes... Make sure you pull evenly from all sides of this connector with minimal wiggle and DO NOT use a screwdriver or something similar to pry it off. It will break, guaranteed. This connector is made out of some brittle plastic (I think it might be made of a melamine type plastic.) The half-moon portion broke on mine. I marked pin 5 and socket 5 and matched them up to put it back on. I lubricated the pins for this connector with some synthetic grease to aid in the removal should I need to get it off in the future.

Speedo cable on w124s can ONLY be removed by pulling the instrument cluster. But make sure you unclip the cable from the black panel BEFORE pulling the cluster.

True, but OP's talking about a w123. W126's are the same as 124's, with their electric speedo's. (and I don't mean swim suit) ;)

Geeze squabble I was going to say I can show you how to remove it since I've done it a million times. This thread is kinda old!

My trick is to stick my hand up behind the dash and push it out gently. Then I disconnect the spedo cable. Once that is loose I can easily free everything else!