Mk II speedo cable stuck in trans

[VWAL]

I'm getting ready to do a clutch job on my '86 Golf diesel 5 speed. Speedo cable is locked tight in trans. I've tried penetrating oil, tapping beside hole while pulling with no success. I guess if I have to I can disconnect the other end from speedometer and just keep it with the transaxle, but I'd like to get it out if I can do so w/o damage. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[ps2375]

If you have the bolt out, can you rotate the collar the bolt goes thru? If not, that is why it's stuck. It should just lift straight up and out.

[TDCTDI]

The steel collar that retains the cable will sometimes seize, if it won't come out you can remove the cable from the other end. Most gas cars have the EGR counter just beside/behind the coolant expansion tank but yours being a diesel will probably connect directly to the cluster.

The easiest way to gain access to the cable is to remove the far left vent duct, reach your left hand through it & feel around the back of the cluster. With some skilled Braille-a-vision, you should be able to pinch the two retainer clips & release the cable from the cluster.
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[VWAL]

Thanks, that should be a help. The collar that the bolt goes through I have out - slid it up the cable - it's the steel collar that's seized. Looks like that will be the trick going through the duct. Much appreciated.