1987 300D speedometer quits working today.
 

It was working one minute then quits. I can hear clicking sound behind the dash when the car is moving so it is still turning. I think the cable end is rounded. I have taken the cluster. The cable end is rounded a bit.

Can I just pull the old cable out and insert a new one in? I do not want to replace the sheath/assembly.

Hmm
 

I prefer replacing the cable, but that is not always possible.

I have swapped the inner drive cable.
* Be sure it is an exact match, diameter, end drive shape, and length.
* Be sure it is lubricated. :)
* The cable nut must be fully seated to the cluster.

Note: Some older (w123 and earlier) cars have two cables passing through a cruise control speed sensor, both cables need to be lubricated and all union nuts fully seated.

This link should help you with further research.

Instrument cluster, Odometer, Speedometer, Tachometer links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/188540-instrument-cluster-odometer-speedometer-tachometer-links.html


.