Accelerator Linkage

[ah53]

For a winter project (everlasting winter in NJ) I purchased the needed items to firm up the accelerator linkage.  Has anyone replaced the brass bushings in the pedastals that hold the large bar that transverses the engine?  The spring clips have been impossible to remove and I'm about ready to cut the old bushings out unless someone has a better idea. Thanks

Joe
'71 280sl

[W14]

Hi Joe,

You must have e.s.p - I was just about to ask the same question!
I couldn't see any springclips on mine, except for one circlip on the "fixed" end, and that only stops movement into the bearing sleeve, not out of it.

Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[Cees Klumper]

I was able to fairly easily replace one of the bushings, on the passenger side, by removing the circular clip ("spring clip"?). The one on the driver's side requires driving out a pin from the bracket on the end, and this I could not manage with the amount of force I felt comfortable applying. Since this bushing was not in as bad a shape as the other one, I left it, thinking maybe heating the assembly would be what would be the next step. I still want to replace the second one, because, as is common knowledge, smooth/tight operation and adjustment of these linkages is very important in the proper tuning of these engines and also influences the automatic transmission.

Cees
white 1969 280 SL

p.s. I will try to stop posting, now that I am at post no. "113"  

[W14]

After cleaning off all the gunk, I found the clips. I spent all morning trying to remove the one from the driver's side pedestal, but no luck yet!
I suspect this is one of those jobs that the pro's like to watch us amateurs attempt, for hours of entertainment!

Cees, I was able to drive out the pin from the driver's side fairly easily with a suitably sized punch and hammer.  The pin is a standard (roll-pin? split-pin?), and should be available in any hardware store if you ruin it.  You could even just drill it out.



Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[W14]

Hey Joe, hope this is not too late to stop you from taking a hacksaw to the bushings....

The internal locking clips do not have to be removed to get the bushings out - they simply expand when you apply enough pressure to the bushings.  For the driver's side unit (already removed from the shaft), I used appropriately sized sockets to support the bushing at the front and rear, and gave it a good rap with a rubber mallet.  It popped right out.
To get the pax. side off the shaft, I gave it a good yank, and it came right out.
A little engine oil on both bushings before you do this wouldn't hurt.



Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[Tom]

There are snap ring pliers available at most automotive stores designed to help remove the c clips.  Short $ and helps keep the frustration levels in check.

Best,

Tom