How to Repair Frayed Accelerator Cables

As the name implies, accelerator cables form the linkage between the gas pedal and the throttle body, allowing the vehicle to accelerate forward. Each time you depress the pedal, the cables are pulled taut to let a greater amount of air into the engine. Over time, this continual pulling can wear heavily on the cables, causing them to fray, erode or split. If your car is slow to accelerate, chances are your cables are in need of replacement.

Instructions

1

Pop your vehicle's hood and locate the accelerator cable. In most vehicles, the accelerator cable will be attached to the side of the carburetor, typically on the driver's side.

2

Locate the throttle lever near the base of the carburetor. A small barrel clamp, which holds the cable firmly in place, will be attached to the lever. Loosen this clamp with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the cable.

3

Loosen the lock nut behind the accelerator pedal extension bar using an adjustable spanner wrench. Pull the cable gradually away from the bar.

4

Inspect your replacement cable for deep gouges, kinks or fraying. Once checked, insert the cable into the guiding stops on the accelerator extension bar. Tighten the lock nut.

5

Push the cable up through to the engine compartment. Pull the cable taut with pliers to take up any slack.

6

Insert the opposite end of the cable into the guiding stops on the side of the carburetor, again ensuring that the cable is taut. Place the end of the cable into the barrel clamp and tighten it.