Accelerator cable for your car

Control acceleration via the throttle cable The throttle cable is a simple device, which has been used virtually unchanged since the invention of the car. The throttle cable connects the gas pedal with the fuel-air mixture injection to the combustion chambers in the cylinder head. Earlier, the throttle cable was manually connected with the downdraft carburetor throttle. Due to stricter emission control regulations, the downdraft carburetor was replaced by the injection pump. Nonetheless, the connection between the manual control on the pedal and the electronic implementation of the command for acceleration of the vehicle still mainly takes places via a throttle cable to this day. Constructively, the throttle cable is a Bowden cable, of which there are several others in the vehicle. Simple and reliable construction A throttle cable (Bowden cable) consists of a tear-resistant, multi-twisted steel cable consisting of many individual threads. The steel cable is led through a braid consisting of a flexible spiral tube coated with plastic. Graphite or talcum powder are inserted between the inner wall of the flex tube and the steel cable for lubrication. Lugs or bolts are located at the tips of the steel rope, by which the rope is attached to its anchor points. They are designed in such a way that the steel cable can simply be hooked or unhooked. The structural advantage of the Bowden cable is that it can be arbitrarily laid within defined radii. The pulling action is reliably transferred 1:1 in every case. In any case, a control by means of Bowden cable requires a mechanism for retraction. These are usually clamping springs. In the case of a throttle cable, this retraction spring may be provided on the pedal itself or at the injection pump. Throttle cable (Bowden cable) defects The Bowden cable's main threat is penetration by moisture. Once water has made its way between the flex tube and the steel cable, destructive corrosion begins, simply rusting through one steel thread after another. Thus, a Bowden cable will simply tear and become ineffective. This is indeed quite a dangerous situation, for the car can no longer be accelerated. Gradual loss of lubricants has a similarly destructive effect on the steel cable inside the Bowden cable. Improper installation with kinks or radii that are too tight is also dangerous for this component. Defective Bowden cables can not be repaired, but generally require replacing. Emergency measures on the throttle cable (Bowden cable) If resistance is encountered when stepping on the accelerator pedal, the Bowden cable might be the cause. Vibration when accelerating are another indication that there is undesirable friction between sleeve and steel cable. In this case, tearing of the transmission cable is only a matter of time. Internal corrosion can also cause the inner cable to swell, which can also cause the Bowden cable to lock up. This is also dangerous for travel operation. A penetrating oil, such as WD-40, can sufficiently restore the inner lubrication for the vehicle to be driven up to the next workshop. But even if this treatment successfully clears the gas pedal, one should not postpone replacement. Penetrating oil is basically not suitable for the lubrication of the throttle cable. Within short time, it resinates, thus once again reducing the lubricity of the inner cable. Fortunately, cables are very inexpensive and easily replaced. Once the throttle cable fails, all of the vehicle's other Bowden cables should also be checked. Other uses of Bowden cables in the car In addition to the throttle cable, at least the clutch and emergency brake are also equipped with Bowden cables. As all of a vehicle's components age uniformly, the failure of one of these cables is also likely if the throttle cable (Bowden cable) has failed. A suddenly tearing clutch cable is just as fatal for driving safety as a jammed or tearing throttle cable (Bowden cable). Thus, if the throttle cable must be replaced, replacing at least the clutch cable is also advised. However, since the hand brake cable is very easy to replace and also not too expensive, this cable should also be replaced when servicing the cable pulls in the car. High-quality throttle cable (Bowden cable) by a brand manufacturer A throttle cable's quality cannot be visually determined (Bowden cable). Technically, Bowden cables are widespread. A usable quality by a brand manufacturer, however, has its price. Nonetheless, at approx. 17 euro, replacement with a product by well-established manufacturer ATE is feasible for any budget. Relying on quality guarantees the maximum safety of the vehicle.