Speedometer Cable Install Issue

[Asterix]

This weekend I finally had some time to replace the long section of the speedometer cable on my '88 NA. After 226,000 miles it was time. (Plus, it was a chance to reinstall the ABS light which has been out since I bought the car 17 years ago...)

Most of the operation wasn't too annoying except for that rubber thingy that hooks into the firewall. I just couldn't get it pushed in right. The engine is in the way, so I couldn't get my hand in there and prying with various screwdrivers just didn't do it.

Does anyone have suggestions about how to get that rubber piece properly hooked into that hole? I'd rather not pull the intake and valve cover off. If that's the only way, maybe I'll get to it next weekend. I hate to leave it not installed right.

Asterix

 

[CRE]

spit on it.... no, really.

 

[IJ.]

Windex is a little more hygenic

 

[CRE]

Ammonia dries rubber...


Ok, fine, you got me... it's simply not as fun to tell people.


Dish soap works well too.... I prefer to dilute it though.

 

[IJ.]

It wets it enough to be a lube for the install then dries leaving no residue unlike spit ewwww DNA and cooties!

 

[Moy]

It wets it enough to be a lube for the install then dries leaving no residue unlike spit ewwww DNA and cooties!

Ian, you need to change your status from "grumpy old man" to "silly little kid" :biglaugh:

 

[Bri7man]

I just use simple green or wd-40 to ease things in depending on what it is since they are both usually right next to me when I'm working on my car.

 

[IJ.]

I just use simple green or wd-40 to ease things in depending on what it is since they are both usually right next to me when I'm working on my car.

But you have a history of using the wrong chemicals for the job

 

[Bri7man]

But you have a history of using all of the chemicals for one job

More like it:biglaugh:

 

[AJ'S 88NA]

Brylcream, a little dab will do ya

 

[gaboonviper85]

I just pushed mine in:-/....didn't have a problem

 

[deabionni]

Vaseline + a long screwdriver to push it into place.

 

[T701jz]

^^^^^ha ha ha

A dab of grease.

 

[Asterix]

Thanks, guys. I'll try glass cleaner (sans ammonia) first, then some Sil-Glide if that doesn't do it. I wish I had thought of that.

Update: I spritzed it with some Method brand surface cleaner and it went it without too much fuss. I'm sure it'll stay fine once the spritz dries. It took less than 10 minutes. I'm good for another 230,000 miles! Boy, a steady speedo needle is nice to have again!

Asterix

 

[toyotanos]

Silicone spray is what I like to use for temporary rubber lubrication. Parts slide together well and then they stay there once it dries. Syl-glide/vaseline keep it slippery, so it might pop out later on.