Hi, pulled my car out of the cold garage today and the speedometer starting whining and making a racket when I drove. Brought the car back and parked it to make sure I didn't do damage. Any suggestions (e.g. lubrication) to fix the noise?

Thanks. John
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1972 280SEL 4.5
2004 CLK500 Convertible

Also, can just the speedometer be removed or does the entire cluster need to be removed to repair/replace the speedometer? Thanks.

It's nearly always the speedometer cable. I just used white lithium after cleaning the cable. There are cable specific greases if you want to do some searching. Take care to not apply too much and don't force any into the speedometer housing.

Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120

Thanks for the feedback. I ordered white lithium spray to lubricate and see what happens. John

I can't tell you for sure how to get the cable out of the housing. There may be complications in the form of a speed pick off for the cruise control if your car is so equipped. I think I remember it being on the firewall under the floor mat but it's been 10 or more years since I last worked on the W116 450SEL.

You will need to pull the cluster to get at the end attached to the speedometer. The cable may pull out from the top or it may be attached with a clip or ? at the other end.

What chassis is your car? I have the W114/115 and W116 CDs and can look it up if it's either one of those.

Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120

Thanks again. It is a W108 (72 280SEL 4.5). I was hoping to just pull the speedometer to lube the cable but sounds like I need to pull the entire cluster.

I'm not sure if there is a clip at either end or if the inner core can be pulled out by just removing the one end of the housing from either the speedometer or the transmission. It might be pinned, clipped or set screwed to the drive gear at the transmission. It's been at least 15 years since I had to take care of mine.

Maybe post a how to remove speedo cable in the vintage forum.

Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120