Sheared Speedo Cable
 

On my 82 wagon with a 4 speed swap, the speedo cable has given out. Pretty clean break. Can't remember it I bought new or used a junk yard park.

Anywho- need a new one. Should I go with the 1420mm or 1310mm length? Also, the fitting into the transmission has always been slightly loose. I wrapped it with electrical tape to tighten it up. Any better solutions?

Answer
 

Go with the 1420mm cable.
Long is OK, but short can't be fixed.

.

What are the part numbers of the two lengths? Personally I rather have a shorter cable that doesn't have the extra length to flop around and have a cleaner look.


.

1235420307- short cable

1235427707- long cable.

OEM is apparently 1390mm. That's all for a 240D.

Answer
 

After working on too many instrument clusters, where a previous owner mistakenly ordered / installed the short cable.

Major PIA:
Trying to remove or install the instrument cluster for repair, is made more difficult by the short cable = Cursing, anger, frustration, bleeding, :censored: unprintable....

.

You will thank yourself for the longer cable if you have to pull the cluster out to change a light bulb, or fix the mileage counter. Besides I would think there were be enough room to store the extra 11cm/4.3inches.

Very good point on the longer cable. I did not consider that previously, but thinking back I do feel like some cables have been easier to connect and disconnect when the cluster is halfway out. I will be going with the longer one. Thank you all for the thoughts.

Question with the longer cable is that tight bends/curls is exactly what makes whine and screeching noises. I can't seem to get my 300cd speedo bounce and cable whine to stop under ALL conditions as a result.

Answer
 

Typically the longer cable makes less sound.

.

Interesting. I don't know if I've heard a screeching cable before. The cable should be here today, a with good weather i'll get it in. Hopefully no screeching.

That is interesting, I would think the shorter cable with less friction material would be quieter. What is the reason for this?

Let us know how it fits (too long, just right or too short) when you get it in.

Answer
 

Smooth curves are lower stress = less friction.

Tighter angles = more side stress = more noise.

.

Yeah I was gonna say more swoopy curves would be less potential for kinking and subsequently speedo cable that lasts longer before making noise

Will you take a few pics while installing it?

I still need to install one, as my '81 originally had the electronic speedo.

I tried installing a speedo cable out of a '85 300D, but the end bit is different than the hole on the trans (4 speed getrag out of a '83 240D)