Volkswagen: accelerator cable replacement, needle nose pliers, accelerator cable

Question
Mr Wolf
What is the best way to replace the accelerator cable on a 1977 Bus. My Volkswagen service manual by Robert Bentley doesn't show anything on this subject. Thanks

Answer
Hi,

Remove the splash pan underneath the front of the bus, it covers the pedal assemblies on the bottom.

Un-hook the accelerator cable from the bottom of the pedal.  It is an S-shaped hook. Put a light coat of oil over the new cable, feed the cable from the front, (You actually have to pull the old one out from the front of the bus as well).

The cable will travel through a metal tube, and eventually poke itself out in the rear of the engine, by the throttle body.

Hook on the new cable to the bottom of the pedal, and have a friend hold the accelerator pedal in the up position.  Loosen the barrel nut on the throttle body (where it connects to the motor) and pull it taughtly through the center of the barrel with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Once it's taught,  tighten down the barrel nut, so it pinches downs on the accelerator cable end (it's a long round metal end).

Have your friend press the pedal up and down, and make sure that the throttle opens and closes nicely.  Spray some WD-40 or similar on both ends of where the cable moves.  (under the pedal, and on the throttle body)


You will have many, many more miles of enjoyable driving.

Let me know how you make out!


Ron