Movement in accelerator pedal

[pmanson]

Hi All,

Just wanted to run something past you all...

Chim 400.

The accelerator pedal sits about 2" below the brake pedal (not a huge issue) but I have noticed that there is some movement in it (in that I can pull it approx 1/2" forward (towards the driver).

Also the pedal is quite heavy (in that it takes a good shove to get the car revving), I took this to be the TVR 'traction control' but from reading online i'm wondering if I might be better off replacing the throttle cable?

Has any one experienced a similar issue?

Cheers,
Phill

[Harrytsg]

The slack may be that the throttle cable has stretched. It can be adjusted, but might be worth replacing.

The heavy throttle may be that where 2# throttle springs are fitted at the butterfly, 1 could be removed, additionally could be the cable is binding in the sleeve.

[Goaty Bill]

A Tale of Three Throttle Cables;
New cable fitted a few years ago, not done that many miles since, so assumed to be in good order.
Car has rebuilt engine, I find a 'spare' throttle spring in the car on collecting the car, but throttle feels normal, so it is ignored (safely left where it is).
Car drives fine for almost 2 weeks, then on a drive the throttle fails to return to the 'off position' as quickly as normal a few times (yes I should have seen it coming, but it was recently replaced in mileage terms remember).
Next day while turning into the garage for a radiator swap; ping!

So car stays in the shop an extra day while we wait for a new throttle cable to be delivered.
Drop in to collect the car, and I have a Holy st moment as I go to drive away because it is way too light (for my liking), and I end up giving it almost double the throttle I expected/desired.
(I don't like 'spending' £5 worth of rubber when no one is watching)
Pick up the 'spare' spring and fit it, and all is back to normal.

Moral of the story? There are two;
1) Carry a spare, because only TVR suppliers have them
2) Order yours today

[pmanson]

Excellent. Tvr only part?

[estutjaweh]

My throttle cable snapped at the nipple a few times. After fitting my last new throttle cable the pedal felt really stiff. Pressing the pedal went from no effect to almost full throttle! I was on the way to our local DIY store for some stuff as part of my test-drive when I noticed this so I brought a can of spray oil for the cable whilst there and lubed the cable as much I could. It had little effect.

On the way home while sat at the traffic lights a friendly chap knocked on the window and told me there was a problem with my brake lights or rear lights or something. Once home I got the torch out and looked under the dash to see the brake light switch sat to the left of the brake pedal.

Reason...pressing the throttle pedal had actually bent the pedal box (hence the poor throttle response - hopefully anyway). This had ultimately led to the brake pedal/switch coming out of alignment.

I guess this is the reason the cables were shearing at the nipple and I really hope the pedal box is just cracked somewhere and an additional bracket or spot weld can sort it.

[QBee]

You do know you can adjust the height of each pedal individually, don't you?

[Goaty Bill]

pmanson said:

Excellent. Tvr only part?

The only thing guaranteed to fit as a unit is from TVR; around £40.00 incl vat.
Unless someone knows better, but I don't recall ever seeing an alternative offered.
Any of the usual TVR parts suppliers will have them in stock most days.

It is possible to slide a new cable inside the existing sheath and make an end connection on the pedal.
This is what the RAC will attempt to do when yours snaps.
This repair could easily more than a year. (Good chaps at the RAC)
Odds are, as many will say, that there is a point of wear inside the sheath, so the inner cable will simply wear out again.
Sadly as I discovered, the RAC will not fit your new cable, even if you are carrying it with you until you 'get a round tuit'.

[pmanson]

Had the cable replaced on Saturday - by all accounts a complete b***ch of a job.

What a difference! Not only was it stretched but it was also sticking too

[QBee]

Try again:

You do know you can adjust the height of the pedal, don't you? Get your head in there and a spanner too and loosen the nut on the back of the pedal, then rotate the rubbed shod bit until the height is right, then tighten the nut again.

Also, if you want a nicer feel to the pedal, consider removing one of the two throttle return springs that are at the other end of the cable. It works fine on one and makes the pedal lighter.

[Hedgehopper]

There are actually three return springs.....at least there are on my car. I suggest you remove the rear one of the matching pair as this will allow you access to the accelerator cable adjuster should you ever need it.

[QBee]

Hedgehopper is correct - I meant one of the matched pair.