82 300D speedo cable core -

Search didn't help me. Is the core removed from the top or the bottom of the cable housing? Mine doesn't want to come out readily at the top and I'm not into tugging it with pliers.

Reason: I want to replace the core to cure minor fluctuations that my cruise control doesn't like. I've done it on other cars and for about $10 - $12, its a good easy fix. If the core doesn't come out on these cars I'll replace the whole thing I guess.

I was very puzzled to learn, when the speedo cable broke on my 409d, that had it not broken, it would have not come out of either end. The tech at the speedometer shop was equally surprised. I have no idea if the same phenomena occurs in the 300d's.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I replaced the speedometer cable. The core cannot be removed and replaced on these cables. You have to replace the whole assembly. I was amazed at the small cross-section of the core. It didn't seem very resistant to torque and I was able to twist it about a third of a revolution. Too bad, too. A heavy duty speedo cable core works wonders on most wavering speedometers.

Wes

Would it have been possible to break off the cable at one end or the other to get rid of a stop that hold it in position and then replace the core with another one without the stops at one end? That is what I did on my 409d and it seems to be working fine.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I don't know, Kerry. Now that I've got a spare, I'll give it a try and post it. It appears that the captive part is in the tranny end, keeping it from coming out in either direction. Can't get to it for a couple days though. Going to the cultural center of the western US, Yuma, for a car show.

By the way, the new cable didn't solve my wobblies, although it made them more consistent and smoothed them out a bit. The speedometer seems a bit stiff. Think I'll take it to my speedo shop and have them clean and lube it when I get back. I suppose this should be scheduled to be done every 20 years or so anyway.... Maybe I'll ask them what they know about the cable. They're really sharp and have done excellent work for me in the past.

Cheers,
Wes

Kerry - It appears that the cable is held captive (in both directions) by a crimp in the housing at the tranny end. I suppose in a bind you could grind away the crimp and replace the core. The whole assembly isn't that expensive (especially if you only have to replace it every 20 years or so).

My speedometer was fairly stiff (lube was quite dry) and the shop cleaned and lubed it. Best I can tell, it hadn't been out of the car in 22 years. I've owned it since 1986.

Everything works great, even the cruise control. End of project.


Wes