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speedometer doesn't work

Rich

Rich

Enthusiast
Messages
177
If the speedometer doesn't work. How difficult is it to replace the drive on the gearbox? Is there a drive on the gearbox to replace...
 
It's always useful to let us know the make, model, engine size and year as there are different gearboxes used.

Try checking to see if the cable is broken first.
 
Apologies, new to this, it's a 1985 Renault 4 GTL 1108cc. I'm looking to buy the car but am concerned this will be dificult to repair and/or an MOT failure.

Thanks
Rich
 
It's very rare for a drive to fail and unusual for speedo heads to stop working so my bet is the cable. If it were the speedo head then I'm sure there are plenty of second-hand ones about. Both are an easy fix.

If the car hasn't got an MOT then there are more serious failure points (such as chassis rust) that need looking at before buying the car.
 
Thanks Steve, it has an mot. I was hoping it would be the cable but wont know until I try and fix it...
 
I've never known it not be the cable at fault on a R4. Not a MOT failure, but it's nice to have them working. Like Steve I'd be more worried about rust - that could be mush more expense and hassle than any possible speedo fault.
 
Thanks Malcolm appreciate the advice, it has rust on the seams above the rear wings on each side, I see from your resto that the panels are avaliable so I should be able to repair them myself.
 
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Tonight I took the speedo cable out of the gear box end and attached it to my electric drill, probably the first time the speedo's done 90 mph :lol:

So this must mean its a problem with the gearbox drive? Whats involved to replace the drive and where can I get one? It's a 1985 R4 GTL R1128 1108cc.

cheers
Rich
 
That's unusual. Could I suggest that you buy the Haynes manual for your car - it's still obtainable from Haynes or you can try ebay. You will need the version with the supplement for the GTL.
In the manual is a diagram of the drive assembly and it's held in by a lock bolt. You remove the bolt and somehow extract the assembly. I have never done one on a 4 but I have removed them on other cars by carefully using pliers.
It may be better to see what is the problem before ordering parts - do try your Renault dealer or Lifestyle Renault - details on this forum. Otherwise you may need to get a second-hand one. The question I would ask is why has it stopped working? What has broken?
 
Thanks Steve, I have a couple of manuals but I think they are too early so will try to locate the one you mention. I think there is something wrong with the hole the speedo cable goes in, see pic, it appears to be too big.

100_5151-1.jpg
 
Hello Rich, you should be able to get a Haynes manual from the their shop at Sparkford, the phone no is 01963 442080. ISBN is 1 85010 299 6, OWM 072, and price £25. Shame it's not hardback now. Regards Brian.
 
Rich - as you've got this far why don't you jack up one front wheel and get someone to turn it while you look at the speedo drive to see if it's moving?

Another thought - has the end of the speedo cable 'rounded off'?
 
Hi, i could be the plastic worm that's in the gearbox ( mine worn a few years ago ) if i remember correctly it pushes into the gearbox ( there might be a small locking bolt ? can't remember off hand ) and then it pulls out ( think there's a small O ring around it as well ) but mine had worn so replaced it and as far as i know it's still working.
 
Thanks for all the replies, when I next get it apart I will try all your suggestions and let you know how I get on!
 
I think I need to sort this out sooner than later, got pulled for speeding today on the way to work :oops: 36 in a 30, they were very good, had a look round the R4, liked what they saw and let me off with a caution :lol:
 
Ok, got the car jacked up and spun the wheels, nothing happening in the hole (see previous pic), should I see something spinning?

Steve says in an earlier post you can take out the assembly, is that thru the hole?

Thanks
Rich
 
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