Speedometer angle drive "DRVING ME NUTS"

[Norm Dupuis]

When my (BJ8) speedometer seized, part of the cable snapped off into the transmision housing. I have a new angle drive, speedomemeter cable and speedo fixed but I can't get it back together again. There is a bolt above the piece that the angle drive screws into and I'm wondering if I remove that bolt if that piece will come out. IF YES, then I can try and remove the broken piece and get my angle drive to screw in. There is absolutely no room to move your hands in there and it should be easier if I can get this piece out. I've got 8 hours into this already and it is driving me nuts.

Thanks
Norm /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF

 

[shorn]

Are you attempting this from under the car? It is far easier to remove the tranny tunnel, although it probably takes 30 minutes to get the console and tunnel out.

 

[Norm Dupuis]

Yes I'm doing this from underneath the car. After 8 hours of putzing, 30 minutes to do it from above seems like a bargain. How tough is it to take the Transmission tunnel out? Do I need to take the seats out?

Thanks
Norm

 

[shorn]

Norm, I live in Seattle and would be happy to help out. Email me at golfnutt@att.net with your phone number and I will give you a call. You do not need to take the seats out, but it is a little easier with them out. Not hard though, just remove the seat bottoms and remove 6 nuts on the seat frame.

 

[BlackHealey]

Definitely do this task from the cockpit with the transmission tunnel removed. It will be a lot easier and quicker. Plus, you can degrease/degrime the transmission top and tunnel underside. You might as well check the transmission oil at the same time. Whenever I have to get into a tight space like this, I always do all the maintenance necessary, at one time. It makes life and owning these cars a whole lot more enjoyable!

 

[ron wilson]

I know the purists among you will not like this suggestion but after owning a BJ8 for several years and removing the angle drive about 3 times I finally cut a hole in the area of the transmission tunnel so I can access this area without taking the tunnel out. Put an aluminum plate over the hole to keep the heat in.

 

[shorn]

Brilliant. If you cut a hole the same size as that for the dip stick, you could use the same size rubber plug.

 

[ron wilson]

Right but I made it a litle bigger for better access. Also ever since I did this probably 5 years agbo I have also never had any additional need to access the angle drive.

 

[shorn]

sort of like insurance.

 

[Norm Dupuis]

THANKS to all for your advice. I was able to get the angle drive installed and my speedometer working. Given, that there were no parts leftover, I can confidently say the the repair was successful. THANKS to "shorn" for contacting me and everyone else with your help and support.

Norm /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif