The Perfect Guide of How to Put Throttle Cable Back On 2024

The throttle cable, which is also known as the accelerator cable, is an intrinsic aspect of the throttle plate and is affiliated to it via the throttle plate.

The ability to influence the gas pedal by applying and releasing pressure eventually results in the ability to control the driving behavior.

Since it’s so important both for bikes and cars, you should be concerned about it just like you worry about your brake rotors.

If there is an abnormally low idle, fraying, the stalling in the engine, the stiffness in pedals to depress, or simply, a delay in pedal-response; it’s time for you to get a new throttle cable.

In today’s modern vehicles, throttle cables might seem outworn, but that doesn’t cut all the throttle-cable users out there.

Let’s get you through all the basics.

What is a Throttle cable?

Throttle cables are normally metallic and braided cables, they serve as a connector between the gas pedal and the throttle pedal.

And the most common with them is they fail when they break.

How do Throttle Cables Work?

With all the updates in the automobile world, a new concept of push and pull throttle is not new anymore.

But the traditional and the most *working* cable is the pull cable, which allows air to get in the engine.

The pull cable pulls off the valves for air entrance in the intake manifold and increases the power.

On the other hand, push cables work as an addition for safety purposes. That will keep the valve closed while the pull cable isn’t activated.

To give you that worthy installment or a better replacement, the Harley throttle cables will be the best bet for you.

Not only for Harley Davidson users, but this will also be useful for other motor-vehicle users.

Harley Throttle Cable

Normally, Harley requires two throttle cables. The second one is an upgrade for a safer approach while interacting with the throttle grip-works, it keeps the carburetor closed so that it doesn’t stay open.

There is also an idle cable. It is another safety feature to prevent the throttle actuator from jamming and staying in the same position.

It will also give you the privilege of taking charge of cable sleeve geometry.

Tools that are required for the upgrade

There are plenty of toolkits out there to help you with the newness. But still, it can be done in a jiff with some simple tools.

But remember, this process needs a lot of removing and remembering, so be patient! (Some physical strength is required, too)

• Repair manuals
• Safety glasses
• Protective gloves
• Screwdrivers
• Clips

Also, there might be some fitting issues as different cables have different lengths. So, you might need to cut the cable and then solder it if that’s the case. It is recommended to use pure lead instead of alloy solder.

Outlay concerns:(Cost)

Brands are the main thing here. The high-quality the brand, the higher the price. Also, different lengths will cost you variations in expenditure.

Other things you should keep in mind while thinking of installment or replacement to get that throttle cable back on is the vehicle type, condition (after-market or new product), and other accessories (like a repair kit included).

Based on all these factors, the price starts from $25 and boosts up to $200.

For a clearer explanation, for throttle cables for Harley Iron XL, the length ranged between 100 and 110 centimeters, you have to pay around $30.

The Motion Blackout throttle cable suitable for Harley 04-05 will cost you around $24.

Contrarily, open side throttle cables for Harley cycles modeled FLT ’99 will be worth paying $75 approximately.

Time required for the modification

Since the work is mainly based on skill and hands, it can take an hour or two. The number of tools, in this case, is the least; so, you don’t need a lot of time for preparation.

If you’re installing a throttle cable for the first time, it should take longer than expected (2 hours & 30 minutes approx.). It’s best to get a helping hand in this case.

But for anyone skilled to do all the mechanical magic, it will take only an hour.

Now, for replacement, even if you are an expert, keep some time in your hand because you will need a lot of removing and replacing.

The process might take nearly two hours (including the cleaning).

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Put Throttle Cable Back On

This quickstart concept will work including both beginners and experts, and it will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of how to get the job done more efficiently.

The following steps can help you finalize your project successfully, irrespectively of whether it is an installation or replacement of a car or motorcycle.

Step 1: Safety First!

You don’t want to hurt yourself and live with agony while you do the works for your vehicle!

So, get those protective gloves and safety glasses on and then do the work. Don’t forget to switch off the main power supply.

(Off-topic, but a repair manual might appear to be handy too!)

The replacement process starts here…

Step 2: Know The Locations.

Before you get your hands on that pretty thing, locate the throttle cable. The ends are on different sides.

One is attached to the throttle body which is in the engine segment, another one is attached to the gas pedal, which you will find somewhere near to what is called the driver’s side floor.

Step 3: Disconnect Everything.

You need to disconnect the cable both from the throttle body, the retaining bracket, and also the accelerator pedal.

1.  Disconnect from throttle body:

To go through the throttle body, the easiest way is to pry off the retaining attached clip with a screwdriver.

But if you’re up for some exercise, do it with your hands! Simply push the throttle bracket forward, you should see a slotted hole and take the cable out through that.

2. Disconnect from the bracket:

For the latter disconnection, you have the same options. Either pry off the bracket or press the tabs and jiggle the cable out from the bracket that holds it from the intake compartment.

3. Disconnect from the accelerator pedal:

Gently lift the pedal, you’ll see a slotted hole (just like you did while the throttle body disconnection) and slide the cable through the hole.

The installment process starts here…

These steps are just the reverse of what you just did.

Step 4: Insertion of New Cable.

For this step, just push the new cable into the firewall and then into the engine compartment.

Step 5: Hooking Up With The Pedals!

Remember that slotted hole through which you took out your old, rusty throttle cable?

Well, it’s time for a new cable and reverse the process. Slide it through the acceleration pedal.

Step 6: Bracket Reconnection.

If you screwed the clip out, it’s time to screw it back in.

Or if you used your hands, press the tabs and take the cable all the way through.

Step 7: Back to The Throttle Body.

Push the throttle bracket forward (again) and reconnect the throttle cable through the slotted cable. Or just clip it with the screws.

If you follow these exact steps, it’s time for you to enjoy a fully functional throttle cable with the appropriate accelerations.

If you do not experience that privilege, please feel free to go through the steps again.

You can also get help from a mechanic.

Best of luck!

Some Maintenance Tips

Maintenance tends to come first, before any other requirements, in order to provide a more secure and pleasant ride.

Apart from the apparent maintenance work, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want your newly installed throttle cables to last a lifetime.

1. Be sure to lubricate the throttle tube and the cable, as rough cables may lead to a rough ride.
2. The dirt might get between the throttle tube and the handlebar.
3. Some seek a chain lube for preventing the cable from being frayed or snapped.
4. It is recommended not to do so as it will require maintenance of its own. General cleaning and lubricating will be the best solution.
5. Ensure that the throttle tubes function well by checking if they run smoothly and make a snap when released.
6. After installing or replacing, make sure that the cable fits properly. Don’t go too hard with the fittings.
7. Best consult with the manufacturer to get the perfect measurements.
8. Be regular with the checkups. As throttle cables are an integral part of vehicles, any small change should be taken into concern.

It may sound like a lot of things to keep in mind, but it has to be done if you want the throttle cables to function properly since comes the phrase “No pain, no gain.”

Regular checkups should be done every week and also after a long drive.

Frequently Asked Questions of How to Install Throttle Cable

We got some common questions answered for you to have a transparent view through the *almost-bizarre* topic.

How do I know I need to change my throttle cable?

There are several ways a throttle cable can go bad. But the simplest way to identify the problem is just checking on if the cable or the vehicle itself is acting weird.

Common indications are, slack in the pedal’s movement, sticky pedals, and not releasing or functioning normally.

How do I shorten a throttle cable?

Follow these simple steps to fit the cable and shorten it.

1. Drill a small hole through the side surface of the tubing for the cable to slide through.
2. Do some regular cleanup by cleaning the inner area and sanding the exterior.
3. Cut the cable to the right size.
4. Insert the cable according to the assembly before attaching the stopper.

How bad can it be when the throttle cable breaks?

Even though they seem simple; the cables, are the most essential elements for the vehicle.

So if the throttle cable runs badly, the matter should not be overlooked. This is why.

The throttle cable works like a throttle opener when the gas pedal is pressed.

But when it goes out of maintenance, the drivability of the vehicle will be questionable.

It will stretch the matter to a point where the vehicle won’t be usable until the problem is identified.

What causes a throttle cable to wear off?

Over time, throttle cables tend to lose their strength which eventually leads to the less-responsiveness.

Another thing that might cause the problem is lack of maintenance, which is pretty much common with all the other automobile gadgets.

Is bad positioning of throttle cables related to bad accelerator pedal position sensor? If yes, how should I determine that?

Damage in throttle cables can trigger the whole throttle body to fall apart, including the pedal sensor.

Here are some signs you can look for to check if everything is in place.

Acceleration not crossing over a limit, low-performance shifting while thrusting the throttle pedal, and rough idling.

If you spot these problems, check the engine light, locate the APP sensor and then fix it.

What should be the fitting measurements for the throttle cable?

According to the present, universal measurements, the tension is usually predetermined to leave 2-3 mm of free space in the throttle grip.

Cables can be adjusted using the right-size wrench.

Mind that, too tight or too loose cables can cause intermittent delays in the throttle response.

Do I need two throttle cables?

For extra security measures, yes. For motorcycles, push and pull, both are needed.

But you can go with only one, also. The pull throttle cable is the must-have one.

What are the expected costs for a throttle cable replacement?

Aforementioned, the replacement usually costs around $40 to $100. This is a generalized version of the cost.

Keep in mind that they might be sold individually or as a kit. Whatever you buy, compatibility must be the key to your purchase concerns.

How long does a throttle cable last?

Based on your vehicle type, vehicle usage, and maintenance, (they might take to be prone to wear and tear) anywhere from 2 years to 7 years.

Based on average usage and maintenance, the number is usually 5 years.

Verdict

Bet that was a simple guide for everyone from teachers to learners! Despite the fact that the concept of drive-by-wire (an electrical throttle-body) is the latest craze.

We know plenty of people who are still comfortable with the traditional throttle cables, and this guide should be ideal for those people.

However, you should take your time when selecting the appropriate throttle cables for your car or motorcycle, as this will allow you to complete half of the work.

It will be much easier to find a car after reading our recommendations rather than searching through hundreds of automobile websites.

Feel free to look into other instructions for fewer problems and transparent results. Here are some links you can try out:

The process of installment:

Details of assembly and repairing tips:

Replacement process of a 4-stroke throttle cable: