Removing NC30 speedo needle

[Cal Walker]

Hi guys,

I'm currently in the process of replacing my NC30's speedo face from KPH to a MPH one that I purchased from Lockwood. Hows the best and safest way to remove the speedo needle so that I can remove the face itself?

Many thanks.....Cal

[Dynamohum]

The needle prises off with gentle even pressure from the spindle using two small flat blade screwdrivers and presses back on after changing the clock face but be aware that there's slight spring tension on the spindle getting the needle back on in the correct position is vital otherwise you'll get a false reading .
I had mine apart several times after repositioning the needle before I got it spot on have a look through the search function I vaguely remember someone explained the correct method that holds everything in sync saving the flagging around I had after.

[hunter]

You can use a pair of tea spoons,
Put one either side and press down simultaneously with the hadles out.
But as said try and mark the needle and spindle.

[srad34]

Crikey, just had a look at the Lockwood Website, £48 for a replacement speedo face?? - That is 95% profit right there kids - jeez, think I will still work in KM's!

[Neosophist]

yes. there is spring tension even at 0 so unless you take it off and replace it properly it will read off.

best way to go abotu this is once you disassemble the spededo unit rotate the needle with your finger a few times by hand to see how it works at the back

next what i do is pick and arbiatry number.. 80kmh is good as that is exactly 50mph and easy marked on both dials.

using your finger align the needle to 80kmh and use some good tape to secure all the back section so that when you relase your finger from the needle it stays in position.

next prise the needle off from underneath being careful not to damage it, lift it up with some teaspoons etc near to the pin.

unscrew the face and put the new one in, put your needle back on at 50mph now being careful not to turn the shaft and push it down.

relase the tape and your needle should go back to 0.. there is a small pin in the speedo face that can be pulled out at the 0 mark, not sure if the new dials come with this or you have to transfer.. it marks easily so wrap a bit of tape aroudn it before you pull it out with some pliers

[royster81]

I removed the 'stop' pin and let the needle return to where it was under no tension. About 10mm behind 0.
I put a small mark on the side of the casing so when the face was changed and the needle was replaced I set it to the mark I made on the casing so it 'should' be under the same, or similarity tension.