speedometer cable

[piddler]

I need to change the speedometer cable on my 230sl. I have no clue how to get to the speedometer end. It looks like the center part of the dash would come out, and maybe get to the end of the cable from there. I don't want to do more damage than good trying to get this out.

None of the manuals that I have cover this.

Any and all help appreciated,Pete

[jeffc280sl]

Replacing anything in the dash is a real bear.  The cable can be accessed by lying on your back with your head resting on the pedals. There is very little space to work in.  Use the search feature to read up on the issue.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[merrill]

Piddler,
if you cannot reach it by lying on your back then you have to remove the tach and center cluster.  then access is much easier.

matt

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[69280sl]

Someone had posted on this forum that because the 230sl radio opening is bigger, they reached the speedo from there. I don't know personally, but if that is right it will make things easier.

Assuming that it is, once you have disconnected the cable at the trans, and at the back of the speedometer, you want to pull it thru the dash into the interior of the car. Tie a string onto the end of the cable to which you will attach the new cable and pull it thru the dash and over to the trans.

There are several good step by steps. Use the search tool.

Gus
280sl

[J. Huber]

Well, folks -- I am afraid there is no easy way of getting to the speedometer. I just had a peek -- (partly to see what kind of bracket is on there!). I removed my becker radio -- not much help. And, the fact is the 230 has a smaller opening than the 280. Mine has been widened. Anyway, I then tried from the top -- by removing speaker grille. Nope. I'd say, tach then center cluster need to come out first...

James
63 230SL

[Ben]

Yes the 230 standard radio opening is narrower however the dash seperates, whereas the later cars its all one piece. Not sure if this makes things easier though !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[rrose]

I just replaced my speedo cable on my '66 230sl.  

For the dash area: The easiest way was to remove the tack and loosen the center cluster so it could be slid out of the way.  Then I could just get my hand in enough to disconnect and reconnect the cable from the gage.  

At the bottom: I had to remove the plate which supports the transmission (don’t forget to support the engine/trans from dropping down).  Then I had to remove the interference bolt which held the cable into the transmission case (it was a hex type of bolt).  It was a struggle to remove the old cable and replace the new cable in the transmission.  But it is can be done.

Hope this helps, Best of Luck

Robert (1966 230SL)

[bpossel]

Hi Robert,

Congrats!

Just a note for others...  the hex bolt at the trans end needs to be completely removed, not just loosened, in order to remove that particular end of the cable...

Also, when reinstalling the hex bolt, dont over tighten.  A PO over tightened mine and I had to replace the entire housing at the trans end[!].  Not fun!

Regards, Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320