How do you remove Speedo Needle?

[Phalcon51]

I'm trying to disassemble the speedo on my '86 300E and can't figure out how to remove the speedo needle so I can remove the instrument face. I ultimately need to replace the arm that resets the trip odometer because the end of it broke off. In order to get at the pivot pin that holds the arm I have to remove the face.

Is there a special tool or technique for removing the needle? I tried gently pulling it straight off, but it wouldn't budge, and I didn't want to use any more force. I'll take it to a VDO repair shop as a last resort, but I really don't want to spend $100-$125 (their typical speedo repair price) for a $10 item.

Anyone done this and know the trick?

Thanks,

Gary

I've done this a few times. I just pulled it off with a little more force. This is probably not the recommended method, but it worked for me. Reseting the needle was a little tedios (had to use trial and error to make the speedo read accurately again.
When I was done I just glued it back on. Works perfectly.

Good luck
Peter
1988 300e
1988 420sel

[Phalcon51]

"When I was done I just glued it back on. Works perfectly."

Is the needle glued on to begin with, or is it just a very tight friction fit?

Gary

[Limited Edition]

You can also use two spoons to pull the needle off evenly and straight up

[Phalcon51]

I was thinking of somehow levering it off, but the face doesn't seem to have much in the way of support behind it other than the posts that the 2 screws thread into that hold the face on. Can this be done without risk of bending or marring the gauge face?

Gary

I've just removed the needles on my S202. Just use two forks and some force and it will come loose.