Odometer Repair - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 06-21-2006, 09:06 AM

I realize there is a repair manual in Dieselgiant.com on repairing the odo of a w123. But has anyone else really done this? How hard/easy is it?

Mine is stuck at 83+k. I want to repair it for obvious reasons.

TX76513 · #2 06-21-2006, 09:17 AM

It's a 4 on the DIY scale.
1 = changing a tire
10 = rebuilding a motor.

Working slow, carefully and methodically is the key here.

tobybul · #3 06-21-2006, 04:18 PM

Can you give me an idea how long it took you? If its just a gear thats slipping, does locktite really get the job done like dieselgiant suggested?

Any tips for someone who has not done it b4 starting from getting the cluster off the dash?

Thanks

sunnyintx · #4 06-21-2006, 04:53 PM

Do a search on either "odometer" or "instrument cluster" and you'll find all you need to know. That's how I got it done about a year and a half ago. Also, look at the Forum's DIY pages -- I think it's in there, too.

BTW, I didn't find it particularly difficult. We pulled the cluster from the front, no problem. If you are prone to temper tantrums or throwing things when they don't please you, this is not the job to tackle -- lots of small, fragile parts! I draped white plastic over a TV tray (so I could see all the bits) and brought it in by the computer so I could check things as I went -- took me about an hour to recondition, clean, fix the little potentiometer that runs the lights, brighten the lighting, etc. on two dash clusters. The odo on one went fine, but the odo on the other was jammed so tight I couldn't budge it. I just picked up a donor today that I'm going to tackle and see if I can replace the one that's screwed up.

winmutt · #5 06-21-2006, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

I realize there is a repair manual in Dieselgiant.com on repairing the odo of a w123. But has anyone else really done this? How hard/easy is it?

Mine is stuck at 83+k. I want to repair it for obvious reasons.

Changing the instrument cluster is a 1 on a scale of 1-10 and takes about 15 minutes if you have a cordless drill

gdemoss01 · #6 06-21-2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

I realize there is a repair manual in Dieselgiant.com on repairing the odo of a w123. But has anyone else really done this? How hard/easy is it?

Mine is stuck at 83+k. I want to repair it for obvious reasons.

As mentioned, it's not a difficult job as long as you take your time. While you're at it paint the needles on the guages and they look almost brand new.

BTW, how did you get 270K plus miles out of a 96 220?

tobybul · #7 06-21-2006, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdemoss01

BTW, how did you get 270K plus miles out of a 96 220?

Yes sirreee, 281k now and purrs like a kitten........

Schmohey · #8 06-23-2006, 02:29 AM

Overall, fixing it is not hard. For me, the hardest part was removing that nut that locks the long metal that holds the numbers. That thing won't budge! I used JB weld on the slipping gear.

Eric Eliel · #9 06-23-2006, 02:38 AM

About a two on a 1 to 10 scale. I'd rather replace a air cleaner bracket. Its tedious (I have big hands). Definitely paint the needles, that paint upgrade is almost as good a repair as the ODO. That part was fun.

tobybul · #10 06-23-2006, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdemoss01

BTW, how did you get 270K plus miles out of a 96 220?

I don't think I answered your question....daily one hour commute to LA. Car runs extremely well. A/C still works well.

TX76513 · #11 06-23-2006, 08:22 AM

The paint for the needles is Testers #12 Orange if I remember right -

Chime in if incorrect.

bud640 · #12 06-23-2006, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Can you give me an idea how long it took you? If its just a gear thats slipping, does locktite really get the job done like dieselgiant suggested?

Any tips for someone who has not done it b4 starting from getting the cluster off the dash?

Thanks

I done this repair. Great info from Diesel Giant. I did NOT use the glue. I laid the shaft on my vise and took a screwdriver and tapped it with a hammer to scour it on both sides. A small center punch would also work. DONT hit it so hard as too damage it. You will see on the shaft where it is slipping. Its shiny. When I re assembled it took a good tap to get back on. Works perfect now.

tobybul · #13 06-23-2006, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bud640

I laid the shaft on my vise and took a screwdriver and tapped it with a hammer to scour it on both sides.

Not sure what you meant by this. Did you mean you laid it on top of the vise and not gripped it with the vise? Basically just using the vise a hard surface to lay on to?

And when you say tapped it with a screw driver.....

I guess the objective is, as you said, scour the surface or create uneveness so the gear will be tight when you slip it back in?

Wonder why MB didn't just use a toothed shaft. Could have avoided all this slippage problem.

Hit Man X · #14 06-23-2006, 04:07 PM

Same go for the electronic units?

If I have a broken gear, can I just take another speedo apart for the parts I need?

Mismost · #15 06-24-2006, 01:53 AM

I ain't no watch maker...if you can't fix it with a bigger hammer, I'm lost! Pulled mine and took it by

Overseas Speedometer
www.speedometer.com

Guy by the name of Rick Borth fixed and reconditioned and reset the mileage (up) for 75 bucks. Nice to have it working.

BTW, replace all your little tiny dash lights and check out your dimmer switch while you got the panel out. Also a good time to fiddle with your cruise amp and seal off the steering wheel column where it goes through the firewall.