The speedo cable in my 1982 240 (180K miles) snapped near the attachment to the tranny. Not surprisingly, it broke where the cable makes a 90 degree turn toward the tranny. I replaced it with a spare from a 1983 245 (130K miles). The speedo worked momentarily (with a tremor), bounced a few times, then died. I disconnected it from the speedometer and drove a bit to ensure it was the cable failing again, and it was. I haven't examined the connection to the tranny, but I'm assuming it broke again at the same place.

Question: is this a common failure? The R&R seems very straightforward (though it's been tough to get the knurled cap started when I screw it onto the tranny).

Is this a part I should buy new rather than recycling from a parts car? If so, are there aftermarket sources? TIA.

Phillip