NA Accelerator Bracket replacement in Melbourne

fknsrs · Postby **fknsrs** » Mon May 09, 2011 6:25 pm

Hey guys - new to the forum and i used the search engine to look for anyone that has had an accelerator bracket break on them, and i haven't found anyone that has?

I have a 1990 NA mx-5 and my accelerator bracket snapped off.

Its re-welded back on, but it seems very weak and would be prone to snapping again if i start doing anything other than driving like the elderly (which theres nothing wrong with, im just very impatient).

I got a quote from Mazda for a new bracket ($120) with installation unknown.

Can anyone give me a little guidance on where i can get a new bracket part and installation, in melbs west, that wont put my wallet into a Jenny Craig diet.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Mike

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Mon May 09, 2011 6:36 pm

Is it the same as this? See Bensale's post half way down this page:
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=46451

fknsrs · Postby **fknsrs** » Mon May 09, 2011 6:56 pm

93_Clubman wrote:Is it the same as this? See Bensale's post half way down this page:
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=46451

Similar - but mine isnt cracked

its snapped off T_T

Posting pics soon

Pamex · Postby **Pamex** » Mon May 09, 2011 7:14 pm

Yup, mine snapped a while back. No suggestions on where, but I can tell you do NOT go to the MX5 factory. They did a bad job on mine, welded it skew-if, and now the car has a new quirk. :p It won't immediately stop accelerating when you take your foot off the pedal.

Make sure if you get it welded, they do a good job.

fknsrs · Postby **fknsrs** » Mon May 09, 2011 7:30 pm

I tried using arlidyte (or whatever..) to fix it temp... but yeah... im not a big car tech head... lol

bensale · Postby **bensale** » Mon May 09, 2011 8:54 pm

Wow... Sorry to see that, mine was basically exactly the same problem, but I noticed that the pedal didn't feel right so picked up on the problem before it snapped thankfully.

I bought my replacement from Allmaz (SE melb...) I personally wasn't happy with the welding option although I'm sure it would work.

I'm sure as you've now read replacing it was a pig of a job... If I had to do it again I would have a few tricks and it would be easier, but still not fun at all... If you're not a 'car head' I think sadly it's one you'll have to pay someone to fix =(

Pam, are you bringing your car thursday night..?

fknsrs · Postby **fknsrs** » Mon May 09, 2011 9:16 pm

bensale wrote:Wow... Sorry to see that, mine was basically exactly the same problem, but I noticed that the pedal didn't feel right so picked up on the problem before it snapped thankfully.

I bought my replacement from Allmaz (SE melb...) I personally wasn't happy with the welding option although I'm sure it would work.

I'm sure as you've now read replacing it was a pig of a job... If I had to do it again I would have a few tricks and it would be easier, but still not fun at all... If you're not a 'car head' I think sadly it's one you'll have to pay someone to fix =(

Pam, are you bringing your car thursday night..?

Yeah - i was reading ur replacement post, and there was another one on a UK forum...

It seems difficult, with a lot of solid work and body manipulation... but yeah... i think it might be out of my depth to attempt it...

How much was the replacement? Was it it good condition? Would you recommend it to others?

I got a quote from Mazda themselves... NOT paying $120 for a new bracket if a second hand part is only a third of the cost...

bensale · Postby **bensale** » Mon May 09, 2011 9:30 pm

I can't remember what I paid for it actually... It may have been $60 or $80... Can't actually remember... The part was in perfect condition, as new and I have no reason not to recommend them. $120 for a new one is actually less than I would have expected I have to say.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Mon May 09, 2011 9:59 pm

Fatty broke his at Wakefield a couple of years ago and a passing mechanic at the track welded it up for him on the spot. I remember he laid a series of extra strengthening bands across the break and the whole thing looked a lot stronger than the originals ever were. So maybe finding a good welder is the best solution.

bensale · Postby **bensale** » Sat May 14, 2011 11:19 pm

fknsrs PM'd me asking for some tips on the replacement, I thought I would post what I can remember here for the benefit of anyone else searching in the future as I don't think this will be the last time someone has this problem...

I should note to start with this post is off memory and I did the change over 2 months ago now...

I did this without the aid of any guide, the actual process it's that difficult, it's just certain steps are close to impossible to execute. The first thing you should do is remove everything that can get in the way, including the cover for the steering column, the drivers seat and the steering wheel. This meant that I was actually able to fit my body into the footwell... It still wasn't in any way comfortable though...

It helps to have the replacement pedal box as reference, I used this to find all the nuts and bolts that I would have to remove to get it out. Some of them are very difficult to access, I would recommend a mix of spanners and a socket drive with a long extension (for one nut I used two 1ft extensions to save my skin). A universal joint for the socket will come in handy although is not necessary. Getting a light of some kind in the footwell is also critical so you can see what you are doing. From memory you also have to remove a number of electrical connectors, be careful doing this as the last thing you want to do it break one..!

The most difficult step is actually once everything was undone... Getting the pedal box out it a nightmare as it is wedged between the base of the steering column support (which uses the same mounting points) and the firewall. The only way I found to do it was to remove all the supports along the steering column so that I could move the whole thing around allowing a gap between the firewall and the steering column base. You can see one of the supports I'm talking out near the end of the column in the below pic.

The main drama is in getting the pedal box off the long bolts which come through the firewall as you can't quite move the steering column forward enough or to the right angle to get it to clear. If you go to the engine bay and prop something between the brake booster and the firewall this will pull the bolt enough towards the engine bay that with the steering column free to move around you'll be able get enough clearance to remove the box... It was the brake booster trick which took me forever to figure out after a lot of frustration... The only other thing I remember being a pain and taking a while was removing the accelerator cable from the pedal... But I can't actually remember what the solution was... If I do remember I'll post it...

Pic of everything removed

If you've gotten far enough to actually remove this damm thing, then reinstalling should be a breeze =) Just make sure you do everything up properly and triple check everything as they're some fairly important parts of the car you've just removed with. I would recommend adjusting the throttle cable once you've done this as it will most likely be way out.

K.Ho · Postby **K.Ho** » Sun May 15, 2011 3:02 am

any idea if the bracket is the same for LHD and RHD?

thanks

mazdatenfive · Postby **mazdatenfive** » Sun May 15, 2011 10:33 am

Is this the part needed

MX-5 Brake & Accelerator Pedals.JPG

StillIC · Postby **StillIC** » Sun May 15, 2011 7:22 pm

I have a cracked pedal bracket also, but I found the problem before it broke. My solution involved bolting an adaptor between the pedal bracket and the wall behind it. Two bolts, through the first wall, which I tapped, and butting up against a second internal steel wall. Works a treat, and I didn't have to remove the pedal bracket

I will be away for the next three days, but I might be able to take a photo and provide a better explanation of my repair later in the week.

fknsrs · Postby **fknsrs** » Mon May 16, 2011 12:09 pm

Im reading all that...

and im still daunted by the job...

zzz...

bensale · Postby **bensale** » Mon May 16, 2011 3:13 pm

Yeah, not going to pretend that it is a fun job... But once you get under there and have a look it will make some sense. It is doable, just a bit tricky.

Maybe look into the welding alternative..?

To be honest I'm not sure if LHD and RHD are the same... Although you would think it is a part that Mazda would try and make universal for both sides. Providing the booster is on the drivers side of a LHD car then I would image that it is all the same... Or at the very least removal and fitment would be the same.