Speedometer cable removal

I am trying to remove the instrument cluster and cannot get the speedometer cable disconnected.  I need advice.
Joe  

What year?  

Hey JROliver - 65/66 - Disconnect the cluster from the dash. With your left hand, hold the cluster out from the dash and snake your right hand in behind the right side of the cluster. It takes a bit of arm/hand contortion to get to the speedometer cable but it can be done. It's sometimes easier if you use a SMALL monkey wrench in your right hand to get to the cable nut so you can undo it. The nut doesn't need to be and shouldn't be tight. All you need it to be is hand tightened. The way the wiring looms and the speedometer cable were constructed on the 65/66 there's not much room to pull them out from the dash. It's even harder to reach up under the dash and around the steering column to disconnect the cluster wire loom from the main wire loom. If you COULD, it would be easier to pull the cluster out and disconnect the cable. Be patient and as flexible as you can and you'll get it.  

68  

Thanks for input.  I will give that a try.  Certainly not much room.  I cannot get the cluster far enough out to get hand in so I am trying to go in from left side after removing the heater controls.  I can get hand on the cable nut but will not turn.  I will try small wrench and see if I can get that to work.  Thanks again
Joe  

this worked.  Thanks.  Now got it back together but the speedometer needle jumps all over the place.  Did this before I took apart.  Maybe just need to replace cable with new cable.  Thoughts?
Joe  

Hey JR - I couldn't sleep, 22yr old daughter! I recall this issue being discussed before on this forum. You might try searching and see what was said. There are a couple reasons the speedometer needle would jump around. The cable could be sticking because it's old. I believe that someone else used WD40 or another lubricant down the inside of the cable to correct the problem. The other reason could be that the speedometer gear at the trany is warn or broken and is causing the problem.  

Scott
Is it difficult to remove the cable completely from the car?  Assess its condition, lube and replace.  Would it be better to just buy new cable and replace?  Removing cable seems like only way to lube effectively.
Appreciate your interest and suggestions.
Joe  

Hi Joe - I see you were up early too! I mispoke on the type of lubricant - it is grafite that should be used rather than a wet lubricant. A wet lubricant is more likely to get gummed up over time. I have not taken my speedomerter cable out but, it goes through a gromit at the firewall and should not be too hard to remove unless you have build up and old sealent around it in the engine bay. Try removing, cleaning, inspecting it for ware, and lubricating it. After cleaning it make sure you blow it out with compressed air. If you manually turn it you should be able to notice if it is still sticking. You can buy a replacement cable or a cable repair kit from many parts places for around $20 - $30 (including shipping). Before you order check the length of the original (if it is) as the replacement may be longer than the original and more difficult to handle. The repare kits can be cut to length. Some places are now carying OEM style cables form the USA but, I'm not sure what the price is.  

I had an original speedo cable that had gotten aginst the headers and burned a place in the coating. It started leaking so I bought a new replacement of the "same" length. When mounted, the speedometer jumped. Long story short, the drive cable was too long, when the cable housing nut was tightened it pushed the drive back into its housing and created a bind situation where it would bind and release bind and release, jumping the speedo needle. I ground the end of the drive cable down very carefully little by little and stopped the jumping. But its tricky getting the end dressed up to smoothly go into the back of the speedo. Can be done though.

cushman  

cushman350 - That's a good trick to remember. Thanks!  

I've followed your advice for removing the speedometer cable from my 64 Falcon with a 65 Mustang instrument bezel.  However, I can't reconnect the cable-not enough room from the passenger side.  I can get my fingers on the cable, but two hours of attempts didn't accomplish anything except a brusied right hand.  I tried disconnecting the cable from the transmission.  I could then attach the cable to the bezel but then couldn't reinsert the bezel because it has to be tilted at an angle to insert the bezel in the dash opening.  With the cable attached to the speedometer, it isn't possible to tilt the bezel enough to re-insert it in the dash. I'm at a loss and don't want to have to remove the pedals and their support bracket in order to obtain sufficient room.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.  Jim  

dizerega:
I've followed your advice for removing the speedometer cable from my 64 Falcon with a 65 Mustang instrument bezel.  However, I can't reconnect the cable-not enough room from the passenger side.  I can get my fingers on the cable, but two hours of attempts didn't accomplish anything except a brusied right hand.  I tried disconnecting the cable from the transmission.  I could then attach the cable to the bezel but then couldn't reinsert the bezel because it has to be tilted at an angle to insert the bezel in the dash opening.  With the cable attached to the speedometer, it isn't possible to tilt the bezel enough to re-insert it in the dash. I'm at a loss and don't want to have to remove the pedals and their support bracket in order to obtain sufficient room.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.  Jim

How is your Falcon's emergency brake oriented? If it's the same as a 65/66 Must you can get room for your hand by removing the E brake mechanism. My 65 GT bezel will come out from the dash enough to remove the speedo nut from behind but it goes straight in without tilting.  

Thanks.  I believe that the E brake mechanism/location is the same.  I'll remove it and try getting to the speedo cable from that direction. Jim