Bits falling off!

[Paul V]

I was out in the car last night, I hit a large pot hole at only about 10mph coming out of a car park, the Speedo started to read over a lot and when stopped was reading 20mph a bit further down the road the needle fell off completely. Then the accelerator began to feel light and has much more movement than usual. I presume this could be a cable so will maybe change it just to be on the safe side. Is it possible to strip down the Speedo, or will the bits fly everywhere?

[Roy C]

The throttle cable usually breaks at the pedal end. You should be able to see if the wires are frayed. Fortunately it's a cheap Ford part (Granada 2.9 V6: £15-ish) and relatively easy to replace (buy 2). I don't know about the speedo, but I think it's a specialist job. Edited by Roy C on Tuesday 3rd April 09:52

[richb]

I went through 2 x cables on my S3c. The first time it went at the peddle end, and I limped home by jamming the throttle open with a bit of twig. Only 1 year later the replacement went at the trottle linkage end, as I was miles from nowhere in the middle of France at the time it was a little more concerning, but I managed to effect a tempory repair with a few "zippy" ties. I never leave home without them now! Rich...

[Paul V]

Thanks, I’ll replace it soon, does it take long? I’ve got to fit the engine back into my mini at the weekend, better rush it needs all the solid suspension mounts fitting and a mot and tax, and then running in all before 1st may, start of the show season. I spoke to Speedy Cables they want approx £35 to fix the Speedo.

[richb]

Fitting a throttle cable? Dead easy but it's worth taking a bit of extra time to check that the slot in the pedle arm does not have rough edges, mine did and I reckon it was this that helped the cable to wear. Also check that where it passes through the footwell that there is a smooth run and no snags. Finally it might be worth making a throttle pedle stop because on full throttle you can still keep pressing the boot down which puts more stress on the cable.