Can the gear in a speedometer be repaired?

After a little bit of testing I confirmed that the gear in the speedometer of my 1982 xj650 maxim has worn away and doesn't grab the cable when it's spinning. I haven't seen any kind of replacement or repair parts for it so I figure I'll just need to buy a new one, but if there's a way, Id much rather that then buying a whole new gauge cluster.

 

The tach and speedo aren't designed to be taken apart. It can be done, but requires patience and care. I did it on a 1980 Honda. After pulling the case off, I suspended the drive unit in an ultrasonic bath so the face was not submerged. Cleaned things up wonderfully. Then, I used a small amount of clock oil to lubricate and reassembled the works.

 

In that case i'm assuming the only way to get the part i'd be replacing is to buy another speedometer anyway?

 

Yes. But, if you're not concerned with maintaining authenticity, there are aftermarket kits worth looking at.

 

Not sure about the drive gear—- I havent looked at that closely, but I do know that if the long post that the speedometer needle is on comes out, your basically up the creek.