Motometer Speedo Needle Removal

[JinormusJ]

So I've read countless guides on how to do an e36 needle swap/5MPH optimistic speedo reading fix, and I can't get over the fact no one has posted how to remove the speedo needle without destroying the Motometer speedo motor (or shaft, or spring, or gears).

I've destroyed TWO Motometer speedos trying to remove the needle with a fork (as per instructions on other DIYs), but have since then purchased a working speedo, and have left it alone for fear of breaking it (AGAIN). These speedometers (the motors) are unfathomably fragile, and the slightest pressure on the shafts will cause them to break, shift, or shatter.

Now my cluster and a needle that is bent and white, as opposed to all the other needles that are straight and red.


Any help, tips, or techniques from guys that have done this?

[Gregs///M]

I do this weekly. I use my door panel removal tool from my installer days.



Any variation of this tool should work but notice the bent to add leverage.

[JinormusJ]

I ended up just swapping needles as I didn't want to risk destroying my new $60 speedometer with the same mistake. The metal needle-needle part is connected to the base-needle part and is easily pried off with a little force (but not enough to damage the speedo motor)
That means the base of the needle will still be on the peg, and you can easily swap needles and pry the 4 little legs that hold the needle-needle to the needle-base back into position

If I ever get the courage to fix the 5 MPH speedo overhang, I'll definitely look at using a tool similar to that and placing a tag underneath so it doesn't damage my gauge face. Thanks Greg! :up:

[nando]

Use a fork.

How are you breaking motors? The needles are meant to come off...

[dnguyen1963]

in 12 sec...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ON26yKCbG4&noredirect=1