Mechanical Speedo-Which part is is the common one that fails

This is just a curiosity question.

On XJs with mechanical speedo hubs on the front axle, which part in the overall assembly tends to fail? The axle hub, the cable, or the actual gauge?

I see alot of post here and CL about the speedo (and/or mileage indicator) dying. So I'm just curious which part(s) are the common weak link?

Any specific comment about the 82 750 Maxim weak links?

FYI: Mine is currently working, but I'm a curious person. :wink:

 

When I got mine, the speedometer worked but the odometer didn't. So that's a gauge problem. Then, after about a month, the cable broke down by the axle. Maybe I just have bad luck.

 

I broke mine too. Shortly after I learned the gears would not strip
Inside the speedometer it routine maint is performed.

I recently found a replacement for mine.
Its a iPhone app.

A lot of guys preach about maintenance on the speedometer.
I you search the forums you can avoid the thing breaking by taking the speedometer apart and doing this.

 

Any of the usual suspects, actually.

Take a look, here's what's in there: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15303.html

-inner cables wear, become "snaggy" fray and break.
-cable sheaths get worn thru, allowing water incursion and rust to develop.
-speedo gearbox at the wheel often needs cleaning and lube, and doesn't get it, so it will eventually fail.
-a hamfisted PO will often mash the "ears" on the drive gearbox flat when reinstalling the front wheel.
-the instrument itself can "pack up" from becoming gummy/lack of lube; the input bearing often fails, or the little internal gears can strip/grind themselves up because of being gummy/sluggish.

(Take a look at how the instruments are made, in the link I posted.)

 

Great post and comments here Fitz!

I've seen that post before and forgot about it.

I have a spare part/junk? atari cluster if I ever need gears and pieces.

I might eventually pick up a spare cable and wheel hub just in case.