Speedometer cable firewall seal

[Jfryjfry]

I took a look at the new seal and thought, “there’s no way this will fit over the nut on the cable.” So I looked at the gear/transfercase end. Definitely larger than the speedometer end.

So I searched online and only found a guy asking if it could be done but no answer.

I was thinking I would just cut a slit lengthwise so I could just slide it over the cable and then tape it up. But I reasoned that if that was how it was designed, it would have come pre-cut.

So I gave it a shot and by using a screwdriver alternatingly on either end of the seal, I worked it over the nut. I also sprayed a little lube down the hole as I got the seal just started over the nut. Pics are proof! Didn’t take one at the end but that is easy to imagine.

 

[bronkenn]

A square peg can go in a round hole! This changes everything.

 

[DirtDonk]

You can split it down the middle and install it, split facing down, after the cable is inserted through the hole.
Pre-cut costs more money... Would be my guess anyway.

Paul

 

[Jfryjfry]

But the good news is that you don’t need to split it - just budget about 15 mins to get it over the nut

 

[nickgp]

I’ve split them and they work just fine

 

[DirtDonk]

But the good news is that you don’t need to split it - just budget about 15 mins to get it over the nut

Yep, very clean and factory. They had the advantage of their supplier installing them before finishing the cable apparently, or else they were using special jigs that just let them slip over the top in a jiffy.

Looks like the extra few minutes of trouble you went to paid off nicely.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

So I searched online and only found a guy asking if it could be done but no answer.

by the way... Now you're the answer guy!
So you get to go back and (even if it's a ten year old thread) show up as the Shell Answer Man with pics and all, to the benefit of anyone that follows up the next time.
Hopefully the question was not too old, or the other guy at least figured out how to do it.

Paul

 

[Jeff10]

Hey Everyone,

Well, it's not 10 years (only four); but, in search this great forum I found two great options for installing this seal. I'm amazed at information that can be found here.

I'll be installing the seal this weekend. My first thought was to split it. I felt like I was cheating. I also thought there would be fewer choice words spoken if I could avoid the challenges the OP overcame. Still not sure exactly how I will do it; but, I won't feel totally irresponsible if I split it.

Funny how Paul always seems to have the experience and skill to explain these things. I appreciate all that he does on the forum.

Take Care,

Jeff

 

[Jfryjfry]

Good luck - I know the feeling of cheating and that is a big reason why I persevered. If I can do it, you can do it!

 

[.94 OR]

I have some large diameter shrink tube from HF.
If I were in your shoes (tight fit), I'd likely try a piece of tubing that was longer than the seal and just large enough to go over the cable nut. Slide the tube over the nut and shrink the tubing down full length. Once I felt it was cool, lube it with WD-40 and push the seal over this "thimble".
Whether it would work or not, I'm not sure but that is what I would try.