Speedometer needle wiggle-waggle - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Peyton300TD · #1 01-17-2003, 06:36 PM

so im quite certain that most of you are driving around in your benz or w123 and in the lower mph's your speedo needle bounces a little.

has anyone taken a stab at fixing this? is it difficult? worth it?

eric

The Warden · #2 01-17-2003, 08:56 PM

I've noticed a little tiny bif of wiggling up to about 20mph, I believe. Haven't tried to do anything simply 'cause it's real minor. Especially compared to my truck, which will wiggle 10 mph's worth up to 35...and on the truck, I need a new speedo, and would like to replace the entire dashboard with Isspro gauges.

That's one of those "someday" projects, though...although I'm idly researching doing it

MVK · #3 01-17-2003, 09:21 PM

Some folks will tell you to replace the speedo-cable. I fixed it by spraying some grphite spray into the cable end that goes to the meter( the other end goes to tranny). Dont bothe doing it in cold weather as plastic gets brittle and you might crack something. But a good summer project for few hours. Do a search a lot of references on this topic on this site.

MVK

lorenztl · #4 01-17-2003, 10:38 PM

I did not work on my Mercedes speedo cable, however I had a similar problem with my Volkswagen Jetta Diesel as well as my BMW motorcycle sticking and wavering/bouncing at lower speeds.
I put silicone grease "and" sprayed silicone spray into the upper cable end. After a few days it worked completely smooth!
I chose non-petroleum based silicone because it will not damage the nylon or plastics as petroleum based grease may over time. Graphite may work just as well however I have not used this as "MVK" suggested. Must have something to do with dry cables.

-Tom

MVK · #5 01-17-2003, 11:55 PM

Graphite spray is the one you use for the locks. Thats the one I used as I did not want to use something that will stay wet and then collect dust on it and then eventually make it more harder to rotate.

MVK

lorenztl · #6 01-19-2003, 09:08 PM

Pulled out my instrument panel on the '84 300D today for cleaning and replacing bulbs. Not to bad to remove, however a little time and patience removing each connection. Removed the speedo cable end on the transmission to allow the instrument panel to be pulled out further. (One ten millimeter screw where the drive shaft meets tranny). Fashioned two pull hooks about 6" long from a hanger and slid these into either side of the instrument panel and rotated the hooks to grab left and right side to pull out. Indeed the speedo cable is all metal as opposed to nylon cables in my Jetta and BMW. MVK would be correct suggesting spraying graphite in the ends of these. They are sealed however and there was no grime inside either cable end.
-Tom

AndrewBenz · #7 01-20-2003, 12:49 AM

The needle on my '81 300TD jumps so much I can hear it tapping on the stop. My cruise control also does some wierd things like changing speed by itself and not setting at the desired speed. I reckon maybe these two problems are connected as the cruise control pickup is mounted in the back of the speedo.
I will try that cable lubrication and see if there is any improvement.

Andrew

Peyton300TD · #8 01-20-2003, 11:30 AM

hey, the two problems aren't related. the good news is the cruise control is an easy fix. you need a rebuilt cruise box which costs $150. basically all it involves is taking out the driver's panel under the dash and unscrewing, unplugging the old one and installing the new one. if you want a source for these, let me know

eric