Speedometer Drive Gear Repair Cost Guide
Basic Gear Replacement
Labor Time: 1-1.5 hours
Parts Cost: $30-50
Total Estimated Cost: $155-220
Complete Drive Assembly Replacement
Labor Time: 2-2.5 hours
Parts Cost: $75-150
Total Estimated Cost: $325-462
Transmission-Mounted Drive Gear
Labor Time: 2.5-3 hours
Parts Cost: $45-85
Total Estimated Cost: $357-460
Electronic Speed Sensor Replacement
Labor Time: 1-2 hours
Parts Cost: $100-200
Total Estimated Cost: $225-450
Note: Prices are estimates based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional repairs may be necessary depending on diagnostic findings.
Common Additional Services:
- Transmission fluid replacement: $150-200
- Speedometer calibration: $75-125
- Seal replacement: $50-100
Speedometer Drive Gear Repair Procedures
Mechanical Speedometer Drive Gear
Common Symptoms:Inaccurate speed reading, speedometer not working, clicking noise from transmission
Repair Steps:
- Remove transmission extension housing or tail shaft housing
- Extract old speedometer drive gear using proper removal tool
- Inspect gear teeth for wear or damage
- Check gear housing for debris or damage
- Install new speedometer drive gear with correct tooth count
- Replace necessary seals and gaskets
- Reinstall housing and refill transmission fluid
- Test speedometer accuracy
Electronic Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
Common Symptoms:Check engine light, erratic speedometer, cruise control issues
Repair Steps:
- Locate VSS (typically on transmission or differential)
- Disconnect vehicle battery
- Unplug electrical connector from sensor
- Remove mounting bolt(s)
- Extract old sensor
- Clean mounting surface
- Install new sensor with new O-ring if applicable
- Reconnect electrical connector
- Clear any diagnostic trouble codes
- Test drive to verify proper operation
Hall Effect Sensor
Common Symptoms:Intermittent speedometer operation, complete speedometer failure
Repair Steps:
- Access sensor location (usually near transmission output shaft)
- Disconnect battery
- Remove sensor mounting hardware
- Disconnect electrical connections
- Clean sensor mounting area
- Install new Hall Effect sensor
- Verify proper gap between sensor and tone ring
- Reconnect electrical connections
- Test sensor output with multimeter if necessary
- Road test vehicle
Important Notes:
- Always consult vehicle-specific repair manual before beginning work
- Use proper tools and safety equipment
- Ensure correct replacement part specifications
- Consider professional installation if unsure about procedure
Note: Repair procedures may vary by vehicle make, model, and year. These are general guidelines and should be supplemented with manufacturer-specific information.
Understanding Speedometer Drive Gears

ASpeedometer Drive Gearis a crucial component in mechanical speedometer systems that helps measure and display your vehicle's speed. These gears are typically located on the transmission or transfer case and work in conjunction with a driven gear to calculate vehicle speed.
How Speedometer Drive Gears Work
The speedometer drive gear system consists of two main components:
- Drive Gear:Mounted on the transmission output shaft
- Driven Gear:Connected to the speedometer cable
As your vehicle moves, the transmission output shaft rotates, turning the drive gear. This motion is transferred to the driven gear, which then spins the speedometer cable at a calibrated rate. This mechanical action moves the speedometer needle to display your current speed.
Types of Speedometer Drive Gears
Different vehicles require different gear configurations based on:
- Vehicle make and model
- Transmission type
- Gear ratio requirements
- Tire size specifications
Important Note:Using the correct speedometer drive gear is essential for accurate speed readings. An incorrect gear can lead to inaccurate speed readings, which may result in safety issues and potential legal problems.
When to Replace Your Speedometer Drive Gear
Consider replacing your speedometer drive gear if you experience:
- Inaccurate speed readings
- Erratic speedometer behavior
- Complete speedometer failure
- Unusual noise from the transmission area
Always consult your vehicle's manual or a professional mechanic to ensure you select the correct speedometer drive gear for your specific application.
Common Failure Symptoms of Speedometer Drive Gear
Signs of Speedometer Drive Gear Failure and Maintenance Guide
Mechanical Speedometer Drive Gear
Signs of Failure:
- Speedometer needle fluctuating or jumping erratically
- Grinding noise coming from the transmission area
- Speedometer completely stops working
- Visible wear or broken teeth on the gear when inspected
- Metal shavings in transmission fluid
Service Schedule:
Inspect every 60,000 miles or when transmission service is performed. Replace if wear is visible. No regular replacement interval if working properly.
Electronic Speedometer Drive Gear (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
Signs of Failure:
- Check Engine Light illumination
- Erratic speedometer readings
- Cruise control malfunction
- Transmission shifting problems
- ABS warning light activation
Service Schedule:
No specific replacement interval. Inspect when transmission service is performed or if any of the above symptoms occur. Most units last the lifetime of the vehicle unless damaged.
GPS-Based Speedometer Systems
Signs of Failure:
- Loss of speed reading in certain areas
- Delayed speed readings
- System error messages
- Inconsistent speed readings
Service Schedule:
Software updates as recommended by manufacturer. Hardware typically requires no regular maintenance unless malfunctioning.
Note: Always consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance schedules and recommendations, as they may vary by make and model.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.