Answer
Jul 18, 2025 - 09:34 AM
The speedo gear on a Citroën 2CV is usually mounted on the driver’s side of the gearbox, right where the left driveshaft comes out. The cable runs from the dash, down into the gearbox housing near the inner CV joint.
Here’s how I'd do it:
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Pop the wheel off and remove the driveshaft nut if needed for access.
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Clean up around the base of the speedo drive — it’s a little plastic gear assembly held in with a single 10mm bolt or sometimes a retaining plate.
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Pull the old gear out (if it’s still in there). Be gentle — it’s plastic and likes to snap if you pry it too hard.
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Slide the new gear in — there’s usually a little flat spot or alignment tab that lines up with the gearbox casing.
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Bolt it down, and reattach the speedo cable — should just thread right onto the top.
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Give the cable a spin by hand and check that the speedo needle jumps — just to make sure it’s engaging properly.
Now, if the gear doesn’t seat all the way or pops out when you tighten the bolt, double-check the orientation. It only goes in one way, and forcing it will shred the teeth.
May seem complicated, but this procedure is laid out clearly in the repair manual. I would highly recommend you grab this 👉🏻 1984-1990 Citroen 2CV Service & Repair Manual. It contains everything you need to work on the gearbox, including step-by-step instructions, clear images, and exploded-view illustrations.