hi, i've looked through all the other posts on this subject and no-one seems to have had the same problem. we bought the car in october and it was quite abused by the previous owner, no oil changes etc, so we want to check out all the levels thoroughly.

i've read the haynes manual and followed the instructions (precisely) but the speedo drive gear doesn't want to move. the bolt was removed quite easily and the clip slid out quite easily too (cleaned them up a bit as they were quite grimy).

could this be down to the speedo drive gear having seized in place (the speedo is still working) or does it just require a bit of force to remove it?

i haven't pulled too hard on the speedo cable as i don't want to damage the cable or the drive gear.

also, do i need to get a replacement o-ring (or seal) for reassembly after i have checked the oil level? (as the haynes manual doesn't say)

thanks in advance

I have had to pull quite hard to get mine out in the past - its a bit of a pain. Be careful not to damage the cable - I think there is just enough room to grab the top of the mechanism.

Hope this helps a bit.

i'll give it a try over the weekend and see how it goes - thanks for the reply

I found using the plate (with the bolt removed obvously...), which holds the cable in place, to remove the cable works best... just use it as a lever, as it slides around the side of the cable holder, and lift it a little which I find makes it come straight out if you then pull on the cable...

thanks - i'll try this at the weekend aswell.

as no-one has mentioned anything about replacing an o-ring (or seal) can i safely assume one is not needed?

I didn't replace mine - but thats not to say that you shouldn't replace anything. I gave the area a good clean up - before removing the mechanism as muck could drop into the gearbox

I've never replaced the o ring. but as Rich says...give it a good clean around the section