Repairing gauge cluster?

[SirFoxx]

Hello-- I didn't see any other sub forum to post in, so I will try here. I just got my GS1100GK running after sitting for 15+ years, and noticed neither of the gauges work. Is there a way to disassemble them and clean/lubricate the insides, or are they toast? I need to check the cables first, but it'd be a bit strange to have both the cables break instantaneously.

 

[Who Dat?]

... it'd be a bit strange to have both the cables break instantaneously.

Well, let's just say ... they don't brake gradually.

Yes, they do tend to break instantaneously, but I think you mean "simultaneously".

 

[Steve]

Yeah, check your cables before you go gung-ho on the instruments themselves. It's quite possible that the rotating mechanism inside the gauges has locked up, which has caused the cables to snap, but verify the cable integrity as a first step.

.

 

[chuck hahn]

Someone long ago had a thread with some great pics. Think it may have been Ed Ness maybe???

 

[Guest]

You can get into the gauges, just needs some disassembly and finesse but it can be done. But like these guys said, try the cable and lubricant up inside first.

 

[Gorminrider]

this is my favourite. Very similar to suzukis
http://cx500forum.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Speedometer_Head

here's a pdf that explains some things
http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/electrical/Smith-jaeger_speedo_repair.pdf

 

[SirFoxx]

this is my favourite. Very similar to suzukis
http://cx500forum.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Speedometer_Head

here's a pdf that explains some things
http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/electrical/Smith-jaeger_speedo_repair.pdf

I'll take a look at it! Know what the best part is? I own a cx500 and have that style gauges put away in a box! Haha what a coincidence!

 

[Gorminrider]

Don't forget gauges were built and sealed to last the life of the vehicle and many do so,so disassembly to clean them up and reoiling can't fix real issues and introduces moisture as well.
I

own a cx500 and have that style gauges put away in a box!

well, maybe you can practice on them if they are also fufu. otherwise don't.try everything else first before diassembly.
Most people here that get into them seem to prefer undoing the crimp on the metal band that holds the gauge together, but I found I liked cutting the band better...and then drilling tiny holes in the band's end for wire to bind the ends back on reassembly
...that said, undoing the crimp and re-crimping is easier on reassembly.. because pressuring down on the rubber washer enough to fit the cut band IS hard, while with crimping you can just tighten it up as you recrimp...but the re-crimping never seems to look as nice after stretching the metal with screwdrivers and such...
Take note of everything's order of assembly immediately as you open it...

 

[JTGS850GL]

If the cables check out then it's probably the gauges themselves. The grease gets pretty hard over years of no use and it locks the gauges up. They can be disassembled and re-lubricated. The process isn't complex but just a tad tedious. Once the gauges are removed from the housing, you need to pry the crimped section where the upper metal decorative ring where it meets the plastic housing. You simply use a small screw driver and pry the crimp away from the housing and stand it up. Once you done that all the way around, the housing will slip out of the ring and you will expose all the inner workings. Clean and lubricate all the moving components and then re-crimp the ring around the housing. Don't be too concerned about the visuals on the bottom where you crimp it. Just make it as smooth as you can. Everything on the bottom will be hidden inside the housing anyway.