W124 - heavy accelerator pedal ?

[hirsty]

My new-to-me E280 Auto ('95 N-plate) is at Q Motors today getting new track rods. They've lent me a 190 saloon of slightly older vintage & all the controls are much much lighter.

Specifically the accelerator pedal. I'd presumed the heaviness was a 'feature', but can I change to a lighter spring or something to reduce the resistance? We're using it as our second-car, and it sounds a small thing, but the weight of the pedal is discouraging my wife from driving the car.

Anyone else had this please?

 

[Bolide]

I think a heavy pedal is common on many W124 models. Replacing the cable may help a little, as may lubricating the throttle linkages, but I haven't found a 100% cure

In the absence of a new W124 to compare against I can't say if it's a problem or a characteristic. I've found that setting the seat the correct distance from the pedals is the best way to mitigate the effect

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[television]

I think a heavy pedal is common on many W124 models. Replacing the cable may help a little, as may lubricating the throttle linkages, but I haven't found a 100% cure

In the absence of a new W124 to compare against I can't say if it's a problem or a characteristic. I've found that setting the seat the correct distance from the pedals is the best way to mitigate the effect

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Your post take me back in time when I used to adjust the seat for easier throttle preasure

 

[wireman]

I do not kown if the petrol models have this but on the diesels there is a slotted link with a roller in the linkage (its on the engine block behind the fuel pump), on my car it was devoid of lubrication and the pedal was a little stiff untill it got a splodge of grease.

 

[television]

I do not kown if the petrol models have this but on the diesels there is a slotted link with a roller in the linkage (its on the engine block behind the fuel pump), on my car it was devoid of lubrication and the pedal was a little stiff untill it got a splodge of grease.

Doing what you did and lubricating any cables all help, some of these things have been 20 years untouched

 

[hirsty]

Okey doke - thanks for that.

I will lube everything, and then get down in the footwell to see how it's all held together. Seat position certainly helps!

 

[ianjak]

can modify to Japanese pedal style. much much lighter.

 

[rayhennig]

Accelerator linkage: LUBRICATE

Hello,

DO, do, do, do ensure ADEQUATE LUBRICATION of the mechanical linkage, paying attention to the ball joints. Cable as well, if you can get to it.

This is VITAL if you ever have your engine bay steam cleaned - I don't now, NEVER.

A true story:

One bleak November morning, I drove the children to the bus stop in the old 280TE W123 series. Half way there, I released the accelerator and, nothing.

When I say "Nothing", what I really mean is "Everything".

The accelerator was locked DOWN.

Any doubts I had about the engine's limited torque were dispelled in a second.

My first instict was to hit the brakes. No effing good. Front wheels locked, car slewing across the road.

Rapid rethink!

Turned engine off and coasted to a halt.

Basically, all the ball joints were bone dry.

I was lucky because we live deep in rural France and about 7 cars an hour pass our house. Imagine if that'd happened in our road in Wimbledon???

So, the message is, "Never neglect your accelerator linkage".

In fact, get under the bonnet now and check it out!

Bon courage.

RayH

 

[BlackC55]

Hello,

DO, do, do, do ensure ADEQUATE LUBRICATION of the mechanical linkage, paying attention to the ball joints. Cable as well, if you can get to it.

This is VITAL if you ever have your engine bay steam cleaned - I don't now, NEVER.

A true story:

One bleak November morning, I drove the children to the bus stop in the old 280TE W123 series. Half way there, I released the accelerator and, nothing.

When I say "Nothing", what I really mean is "Everything".

The accelerator was locked DOWN.

Any doubts I had about the engine's limited torque were dispelled in a second.

My first instict was to hit the brakes. No effing good. Front wheels locked, car slewing across the road.

Rapid rethink!

Turned engine off and coasted to a halt.

Basically, all the ball joints were bone dry.

I was lucky because we live deep in rural France and about 7 cars an hour pass our house. Imagine if that'd happened in our road in Wimbledon???

So, the message is, "Never neglect your accelerator linkage".

In fact, get under the bonnet now and check it out!

Bon courage.

RayH

It is part of the service to lubricate it and adjust it correctly.