63 LeSabre Speedometer Troubleshooting

Discussion in 'Classic Buicks' started by kma400, Dec 6, 2015.

  1. kma400

    kma400 kma400

    I am looking for help fixing my nonfunctioning speedometer. I have replaced the speedometer cable and housing as well and taken off the dash speedometer and lubed it all up. I found a similar post on the same issue but it was on a 69 Skylark, the post said the next step is to check the connection at the transmission. This is where I am lost, what am I supposed to be looking for? is the connection just bolted into the trans?

    *background* this is my first "classic" car and I know little about it but I am trying to rebuild it.
     
  2. ttotired

    ttotired Well-Known Member

    Quite simple, its a mechanical drive speedo, so it has a gear in the transmission extension housing that turns the speedo cable

    The gear is plastic (normally) and different colors to change the speed reading depending on diff ratios

    This gear will sometimes give up the ghost (strip), if your cable is new, this is where I suspect your problem is

    If you dis connect the cable from the speedo and go for a drive, you should see the inner cable turning, if it is, try and stop it with your fingers, you shouldnt be able to, if you can stop it or it does not turn, the cable inner is broken or the gear is stripped

    Mick
     
  3. kma400

    kma400 kma400

    Thanks you helped deduce the problem! the speedometer inner cable does not turn so its a stripped gear...any idea on where I could get one of those? or is a junkyard my best bet?
     
  4. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    You need to remove YOUR speedo gear & count the number of teeth. As I remember 19 is a VERY difficult one to find. I've seen them go for $100.00+.
     
  5. ttotired

    ttotired Well-Known Member

    On the extension housing, where the cable connects, its directly under that (not sure if the cable drive on yours is clamped in like a distributor or screwed in)

    The teeth count or color difference is for diff ratio and wheel/tire size differences, check with speedo repair shops (especially old ones) to see if anyone has one, otherwise, you could also try transmission repairers or motor wreckers

    No idea on cost, but I would expect them to be quite rare now, so its a bit of a case of grab what you can find

    These were not a fast seller in the day (all manufactures, not just buick), so there wasnt a lot to start with
     
  6. kma400

    kma400 kma400

    Would a 60's era chevy tans speedo gear fit or be a close match?
     
  7. ttotired

    ttotired Well-Known Member

    I am afraid I cant positively answer that, but, There wouldnt have been that many manufacturers of "that" part, so it can actually cross into other makes as well

    Do a search on ebay for the speedo gear and use your transmission type in the search, not the year ect of the car (I dont know what trans your car has)
     

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