Removed Gauge Needles - Tack Not working

[KYZAAC]

I removed the clutster to put new led's in, for some reason I decided to pull the needles, now the tack doesn't work, it moves a little bit but is extremly slow. I took it back apart and tried to reposition it, but it still doesn't work.

Is there a certain way you are suppose to put these needles back on that I am missing?

[daemonyk]

IIRC you do in fact have to put the needle back on the pin in the exact same place it was. Not in relation to the gauge face, but the needle and pin have to be reinstalled in the same position they were removed. It's generally recommended to mark or reference it somehow, though I've yet to figure out a way I trust myself to not screw up.

Unfortunately, I don't know how to go about re-establishing the relationship between needle and pin if they've not been marked before removal.

[KYZAAC]

Well that sucks! Thanks for the reply!

I popped it away and moved it a few times but it did nothing. Might be easier buying a new cluster now. Unless someone has some more info on how to line them back up?

[daemonyk]

Only thing I can think of is, if you can hook up a consult or other way to get the RPM signal, reinstall the gauge w/o the plastic clear cover or needle installed, and run the engine. The gauge should in theory align to the right RPM, even w/o the needle on it, ya? So if the consult says the engine is at 1K rpm, veeeeeery carefully dink the needle on to the pin while the needle points to 1K I'm a lunatic, and I'm pulling this out of my arse, but it sounds good in theory Failing that yeah if you can't find another way, a new cluster might be the easy fix. G'luck!

[KYZAAC]

How can I get an accurate engine rpm without the gauge tho?

[daemonyk]

That's what the consult tool is for. OBD scan tool, w/e. That will tell you the RPM.

[Chaluska]

yeah.. when you remove the needles, you need to find the min and max of the gauge motor.

if you turn the gauge all the way to the left, where does it stop, mark that point with blue painters tape / marker.
spin it all the way to the right, and mark where the needle stops.

pull the needle, and do whatever you have to do, put the needle back on loosely, spin to left, match up the needle to the point you marked earlier.

push down until good and snug, verify that the needle will sweep smooth and easy. if its tight, pull the needle back off slightly. it should bounce with no resistance.

[daemonyk]

That's a MUCH better answer

[KYZAAC]

Thanks for the answers. I'lll give it a shot and see if it works!