How to install 550 push/pull cable | FerrariChat

How to install 550 push/pull cable

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by Depreciating Asset, Jul 16, 2023.

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  1. Depreciating Asset

    Depreciating Asset Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2019
    299
    Cary, NC
    Full Name:
    Randy
    I just replaced the push-pull cable that connects the two throttles and thought I’d share how I did it. Note I saw no other instructions, so I just winged it. All went smoothly and took about 30 mins. This is a left-hand drive car so the master throttle is on the left and the slave is on the right.

    My replacement cable came as shown below. I forgot to take a pic of the new part, so this is the old one.
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    You will need to reuse the ball sockets on the end, their jam nuts, and the washer/circlip from the slave side mounting point.

    You will be removing a few small parts like circlips so I suggest you put a towel under the area to catch anything you happen to drop.

    Step 1 - Slave side
    Take a picture of the ball socket shaft so you can count how many threads are visible. You can use this as a reference when installing the new cable to get as close to the original setup as possible. Remove the retaining clip (save for reuse) and pop the socket off of the ball.
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    Step 2 - Slave Side
    Remove the circlip from the mounting bracket and save for later use. At this point the cable is free on that side.
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    Step 3 - Slave Side
    Loosen the jam nut to free up the ball socket. You will need to counter-hold the ball socket. You can now unscrew the ball socket. Save it for reuse.

    Step 4 - Slave Side
    Thread the cable out of the mounting bracket. Space is tight so you have to finagle a bit. You will need to remove the washer that was between the mounting bracket and circlip. Save the washer for reuse. The cable is now completely free on that side.

    Step 5 - Master Side
    Take a pic of the ball socket so you can see the threads. Loosen the jam nut from the ball socket. On this side you will leave the ball socket mounted to the ball. You will be unscrewing the cable from the ball socket.
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    Step 6 - Slave Side
    Using a pair of pliers, turn the cable counterclockwise. This will unscrew the cable from the ball socket on the master side.
    Cable unscrewed on master side.
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    Step 7 - Master Side
    Take a pic of the mounting bracket so you can see the number of threads on the front side of the threaded shaft of the cable. At the mounting bracket, loosen and completely unscrew the nut on the back side of the shaft closest to the throttle. The cable is now free on this side.
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    Step 8 - Both Sides
    Snake the cable out from one side or the other to completely remove. Be sure to remove the loose nut from the step above.

    It's out!

    At this point, installation is just the reverse of above. Start by installing the jam nuts onto the threaded ends, remove the large nut on the back/throttle side of the master side, and snake the cable into place. Thread the cable through the master side mounting bracket, add the large nut, and align the shaft with the ball socket. Then screw the cable into the ball socket using pliers from the slave side just like you unscrewed the old one. Tighten down the two large jam nuts. Use your reference pics for depth!

    Thread the cable through the slave side mounting bracket, add the washer, screw in the ball socket, and tighten the jam nut. Connect the ball socket to the ball and add the locking clip. Installing that locking clip is the hardest part. I ended up threading in a piece of wire temporarily so I could go test the car. I'll save up my curse words so I have enough to finish that part later. Add the circlip to the mounting bracket and snap the cable back into the 3 front holding clips (assuming you still have any ;)

    That should be it!

    While I was in there, I noticed the main throttle cable had a good bit of play in it. So I removed that play using the adjustment/jam nuts on the back side of the throttle. It won't let me add anymore pics on this post so I'll reply with one showing that adjustment point.

    The difference in the car was very noticeable! Throttle response was dramatically better. I’m assuming both the new cable and removing slack in the main cable are working together for the improvement.

    Now go and drive it!
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    Bas, Il Tifoso, Ferrari55whoa and 3 others like this.
  2. Depreciating Asset

    Depreciating Asset Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2019
    299
    Cary, NC
    Full Name:
    Randy
  3. Aerosurfer

    Aerosurfer Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 21, 2020
    1,791
    Indianapolis
    Full Name:
    Nick
    About to do this on my 456.. did you lubricate the new cable before you installed it or assume whatever assembly lubricant it had new is still good.
     
  4. Depreciating Asset

    Depreciating Asset Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2019
    299
    Cary, NC
    Full Name:
    Randy
    I just installed it as it came in the bag!
     

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