So I was trying to get my gauge assembly out so I can replace my speedometer cable.

I have the factory service manual for my 1983 1.8 Hatch 5spd, and the first thing it says to do is lower the steering column, but it does not say how.

Judging from how they show to dismantle the whole steering assembly I'd say I have to remove these two brackets;



this one is about 4.5 inches from the ignition



this one is above the pedals

I didnt know if i should pull these off, I dont want to risk effing up my steering since I have to drive this to work everyday so I figured maybe some experienced gear-heads could lend some advice.



I got the assembly out this far through much frustration.



Notice the damage I did the the dashboard on the bottom right...



They failed to mention these two clips in the factory service manual..."remove screws, pull out, unplug wires." they make it sound so easy!



Is it pretty obvious I've never done this before?

I feel like I might need to remove the whole dashboard too, I mean even if I somehow manage to unhook the speedo and wires how the hell am I gonna plug them back in when Im done?!!

 

From the third picture, it looks like you could unplug the wires to the back of the cluster now without having to lower the steering column? It is also hard to tell if the steering wheel will prevent you from pulling out the cluster.

I did this on my 95, but I could lower the steering wheel. On your car, those four bolts are what you need to remove to lower the column. You may want to unplug the wires going under the column in the first pic, so you don't damage them when lowering the column.

 

Or do the mean the adjustable steering wheel height/pitch-tilt, been a long time-had an 81 years ago. On the 3rd and up that I have there is a **** the adjust the steering wheel tilt...pull towards you, push down, steering wheel can then be moved up and down to perfered seting and locked????

95K..not bad, should go for a long time.

 

I could not, for the life of me, get my hand through that gap in the 3rd picture and yes, the steering wheel is preventing the cluster from coming out.

Thanks for the advice on unplugging the wires, I noticed them and figured I would have to do so....When I lower the steering column do I need to prop it up on something or let it rest on the floor?

Poorman: Im not sure what you mean by "On the 3rd and up that I have there is a **** the adjust the steering wheel tilt" ......do you mean the 3rd picture and up? do you mean my turn signal ****?

I'm pretty sure that my steering wheel does not tilt, but if you see something please enlighten me.

 

He meant starting with the the 3rd generation of accord (86-89) had a tilt steering wheel.

You can prop up the steering wheel. As long as you don't put any stress on the U-joint (the double joint at the bottom).

 

Thanks brother, want more pics after I get it out??

 

The pics are up to you. If you can post pictures that will help other people doing the same repair, then go for it.

 

So this turned out to be waaayy more difficult than I thought! Here are a few things I learned doing this;

to unplug the wires and speedometer you have to reach in from underneath the dash, not from the top.

Take your speedometer cable out of the transmission! first!! this makes it easier to plug the other end into the gauge assembly/cluster.

also...
If you try to force something, it will probably break


with that
Heres a few pictures in reverse order:








After I put everything back together the low beam headlights wont work, no blown fuse.... I'll have to check to see if the bulbs died or what.......

 

Good pictures and I'm sure this will help out some members when they do a search on this same repair...
Thank You...