Sticking Accelerator Pedal

Published about 2 years ago

No, the sticking accelerator pedal I'm referring to is not in my Toyota - it was in my Mercedes.

My 1969 Mercedes Benz 280-SL is the vehicle that is troubled with a sticking accelerator pedal. Unfortunately, it sat outside through the winter last year and although it was running like a champ (as usual), the accelerator pedal was sticking down. Obviously a situation that required an immediate remedy!

The accelerator linkage in the 280SL is really an impressive piece of work. Its a series of connecting rods linked together with ball joints. I identified the joint which was sticking and it was a "simple" matter of removing it, gently sanding the pin down and cleaning out the cuff. I use quotes around the word simple because although it was only held in place by a snap washer, it was located under the intake and exhaust manifolds and required my hugging the engine to reach it.

The Sticking Linkage Joint

Pictures of the Finished Setup

And a gratuitous picture of this awesome vehicle: