Hi, I have a 1986 190D

I recently replaced my speedometer cable. I had to remove it and lubricate it because it was dancing around and shaking.

I lubed it with ATF, reassembled....it still jumped but much less so.

I took out again, re-lubricated it and now it is not working. The screw holding the cable also stripped. I can get a small bite on the screw but that is about it.
The rubber gasket that goes on the transmission end of the cable where it is screwed in is also deteriorating.

Do you think it is the screw / rubber washer that is the problem or could it be over lubricated?

Thanks.

I don’t see how it can be over lubricated. I would expect that it would shear fluid or leak out.

Everything I’ve seen indicates that the bounce is related to lubrication at the bushing behind the speedometer. Don’t count on cable lube to migrate there.

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

[QUOTE=dsvw;4236560]Hi, I have a 1986 190D

I recently replaced my speedometer cable. I had to remove it and lubricate it because it was dancing around and shaking.

I lubed it with ATF, reassembled....it still jumped but much less so.

I took out again, re-lubricated it and now it is not working. The screw holding the cable also stripped. I can get a small bite on the screw but that is about it.
The rubber gasket that goes on the transmission end of the cable where it is screwed in is also deteriorating.

Do you think it is the screw / rubber washer that is the problem or could it be over lubricated?

It is possible that the ATF did some damage to the plastic or rubber parts??


Does ATF eat plastic?


ATF isn't incredibly caustic like, say, brake fluid, but it can probably eat through flimsy plastic given time.Jun 28, 2021

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96 E300d