Throttle smoothness (the lack thereof)

[dnp]

Using the search function, I looked through many of the old threads, but I didn't find a problem exactly what I'm expriencing...........

The throttle on my 97 is anything but smooth. As I depress the accelerator pedal, it goes through its motion toward the floor in what feels like "steps." What I mean is, it doesn't travel to the floor in a fuid motion. It feels like it is sticking at multiple points as it travels downward, almost as if either the cable is completely dry and sticking within the housing and/or the pedal pivot is dry.

I have inspected the throttle cable, and it appears to be in good condition (no apparent breaks or kinks in the housing, and the portion of the inner cable sleeve that is visible near the throttle body spring is completely intact and smooth.) Also, I have tried lubricating both the accelerator pedal pivot and the inner sleve at the throttle body end....neither of these efforts have worked. The last area that I plan to inspect is the inside of the throttle body. I'm sure with 91,000 miles, it is due for a cleaning anyway, so I will do that soon.

With all of that being said, has anyone else experienced the less-than-smooth operation of their throttle and is this a common problem? Any thoughts?

Thanks,

dnp

 

[RavenTai]

If you actuate the throttle lever directly is it smooth? How about the pedal pivot without the load of the cable? (hold the cable out to unload the pedal) If both check out it must be the cable, wonder if there is any way to get powdered graphite inside the cable? Some Speedo cables could be disassembled and lubed not sure about the 80’s throttle cable

 

[Klunky Chris]

I had the same problem but my throttle cable was obviously in bad shape.
link to my thread

I cleaned the throttle body at the same time and it's smooth as silk now
also runs better and the stumble it ocassionally had is gone. Maybe clean your throttle body, and if that doesn't fix it, replace the cable. Took me literally 15 minutes. (see the thread)

 

[Outback]

I changed out the throttle cable on my '93 for essentially the same reason. That throttle cable is long and exposed to a lot of heat running across the engine like that. My casing was cracked and falling off.

Only thing I will say is have patience with the pedal assembly and getting that end bolted back up. It's a bitch to work underneath the dash like that especially on a lifted vehicle. I cussed a lot.

I think the throttle cable is like $85 if I remember correctly. Could be wrong... C-Dan??

Jody.