Speedometer Angle Drive Mess
 

So, I decided to replace the speedometer angle drive on my '74 2.0 L. When I tried to unscrew the nut that holds it on, the "coupler" that it screws into was turning with it-probably because I am missing the little screw that holds it in. Anyway, so I grabbed a pair of vice grips to hold the coupler and went to unscrew the nut. Unfortunately, that worked a little too well, and the whole speedometer drive came out, gear and all. Luckily, I only lost about a half-pint of transmission oil before I got the gear teeth to line back up and set back in. My main question is this. What, if anything did I royally fudge up? Can I fix it easily (read cheaply)? Will I lose all of my transmission oil if I try to start it? HELP!!!!

Jack the rear of the car up as high as you can get it, that will stop the oil from leaking.
The small cap screw that goes into the end housing and holds the angle drive in place strips out really, rally easy. Be lady-like with it.
Don't run the car without that screw in place. Angle drives don't last long dragging on the ground and the oil will drain out and ruin the transaxle if the angle drive fell out while driving. I'd recommend replacing the o-ring on the drive while you have it out.

The the threads in the case for the screw are a little timesert thingy. The torque value for the screw is

3 foot lbs. Do not over torque this as it will pull the timesert out.

James

Okay, new question, same topic. I figured I'd recycle this post. Anyway, is the actual silver part of the speedometer angle drive that makes the right angle supposed to rotate freely around the brass part? http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1059338542.jpg
I know this is a stupid question, but I am at a loss. Thanks, guys.

bump. . .

I know it's a dumb question, but I really don't want to snap my speedo cable because the drive is spinning when it's not supposed to.

I don't think it was meant to freely swivel and was crimped on, but it shouldn't hurt the cable if it rotates but is still securely attached. When I drove my car home when I bought it, it completely separated and had been dragging on the road by the speedo cable. I don't think they can be repaired once they come apart. But maybe you could reinforce it with some of that industrial-strength epoxy? Maybe I'll give that a try on my broken one...

Some spin, some don't. They work both ways. I've had both spinner and non-spinners break. So it's no even an indication of impending failure.

James