I agree with Kim, you want to record the natural position so it will  display correctly when re-installed....if you don't it will be a PITA calibrating later.

Best way to actually remove the needle is:

1) cover the gauge with some pieces of paper towel or thin clean cloth, but not the center area where the needle is.  This protects it from dirt/scratches etc.

2) Use two teaspoons.  Hold the handles of the teaspoons on opposite sites of the needle center base then simply pop off the needle.  (the bowl of the teaspoons is an ideal fulcrum for this application)

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Date:          Sat, 3 Oct 2009 10:48:46 -0400

>1) First gently lift the end of the needle over the "0" pin. This
>allows you to find the natural location of the relaxed needle. You
>might want to mark this (with pencil so that it is easily cleaned up
>afterwards.)
>2) using only the central hub of the needle grasp tightly and pull. It
>really is only held on with friction, but its a good strong hold.
>
>3) when replacing the needle, note the location marked in step 1, and
>put the needle back on pointing to that spot.
>4) Gently lift the tip of the needle back over the "0" pin.
>
>On Oct 3, 2009, at 4:59 AM, Max Wellhouse wrote:
>
>> got an odometer issue and have found several sites with the proper
>> fix, but all of the how to's more or lessgloss over the removiing of
>> the speedometer needle.  Just don't wanna break it as it appears to
>> REALLY be on there.
>>
>