OEM vs. aftermarket throttle cable

[rjglenn]

Did a search & got lots of unrelated results.

I have to replace my throttle cable. The red plastic sleeve has broken off and the inner sleeve catches on it, so I'm governered at about 1500 RPM. The OEM cable is $95, but I see on autozone that they have one for about $20. In you all's experience, is the OEM the trouble free way to go (the old one lasted for 21 years) or will the aftermarket one work okay? I know that cheaper isn't always better, but sometimes it's just as good.

 

[jaluhn83]

It's hard to tell with aftermarket stuff. Some of it's complete junk and some is as good as OEM.

If it's sold by autozone it's more likely on the junk end of the spectrum.

Rockauto has one for ~$35 - Dorman brand which is usually pretty good. That's what I'd get.

 

[typ4]

I have had a napa and an az and a ford side by side, it appeARS THEY ARE FROM THE SAME FACTORY. sorry for the caps, fat fingers

 

[8seconds]

Which ever one you try, just make sure it is the same length and attachment points are correct. Ask me how I know. I tried one from Auto Zone and Napa. Both being to long and caused the cable to not retract. Apparently there were several different cables made for our trucks, the one that stands out right now was my truck has cruise control. I finally gave up and bite the bullet and went with the Ford part.

 

[rjglenn]

Thanks for the replies. I have the Ford part on it's way.

 

[subway]

Had an autozone cable, just paid for the Ford one to go in. The aftermarket one like mentioned only gave about half throttle.

 

[Hydro-idi]

I have an autozone throttle cable as well. It worked great for about a year then it started to stretch. I was only getting about 3/4 throttle unless i really stomped on it. So I put a spacer where it connects to the gas pedal and also took out that awful stiff IP spring and replaced it with a smaller one. Now I get full throttle with much less effort at the gas pedal. I would also recommend just going with a dealership throttle cable.

 

[Garbage_Mechan]

My experience was the aftermarket one fit and worked, but had way too much "stiction" and was very tiresome to drive. So it is an emergency spare now and a Ford one brought it back to pure pleasure to drive.

 

[gdhillon]

Is there a rule of thumb to go by as to when the cable should be replaced, or is it a 'if it aint broke dont fix it' type deal

 

[metalminded]

Is there a rule of thumb to go by as to when the cable should be replaced, or is it a 'if it aint broke dont fix it' type deal

I to would like to know as i am new to my truck and cant tell if thats how its always been or if replacing it would change things... though i guess the only way to tell would be to try it...

 

[Garbage_Mechan]

For me deciding if I should worry about my throttle cable would go like this: Does it get full throttle now? Does it stick or bind? Is the sleeve on the end broken? Are any cable strands frayed where you can see them? If no to the above you are probably good to go, but I have a spare because driving without a cable is fun (NOT).

 

[typ4]

if the pedal is really stiff/sticky with the spring off the pump lever, the inner cable is starting to cut thru the liner, in 2 weeks it will break.
Lets just say bosses never listen to the voice of experience.

 

[redneckaggie]

I will not put another parts chain throttle cable in my truck, I have been through 4 so far and all of them never got me full travel out of the ip until I space them with bite weights