If you know the engine of your vehicle, you must be familiar with the push-pull throttle cable. Throttle cable is a significant part of the carburetor. But push-pull throttle cable makes your driving safer. If you don’t have it inside your engine, then place it as soon as possible. It is high time you learned how to install push-pull throttle cables.
What is a push-pull throttle cable?
The throttle cable runs from the throttle body under the gas tank of your bike. It connects the gas pedal to the engine throttle plate. A throttle cable is a metal wire, kind of braided, and keeps putting pressure on the pedal.
A push/pull throttle cable also known as dual throttle cable operation where the pull cable is used to open the throttle plates and the push cable closes them. Sometimes push cable does the work of pull cable. You may know the old single throttle cable linkage but the push/pull cable is the upgraded version of it.
The difference with the normal single wired throttle cable
While twisting up the carburetor or releasing it down, the throttle cable grip manages the system. In a single throttle cable set up, only one spring does the work but in the push-pull throttle cable both the cable work simultaneously if the spring may not work.
The carb spring in a normal throttle cable is ordinary. If you set a push-pull cable, you will be more relieved. Sometimes vehicles have accidents, they can fall and the carburetor may crush. If the carb gets open- rock, dirt, and debris can be stuck inside the carb housing. Then the ordinary cable spring will not work.
Your pull cable will make the carb housing close even if it falls. When you ride, you always want to be assured of the fact that when you want your gas closed, it becomes off. Push cable is the best option for it. It is now risky to ride a bike without having the push-pull throttle cable.
Why install them?
Now if you do not have a push-pull throttle cable, install it. And if you have one but you are having issues using it, install it anyway. As the vehicles are used frequently, the throttle valve in the carb throttle cable is frequently opened and closed.
Breaks also do the same hustle over the cable. So there are high chances that the cables may get old and cranky. It is deteriorated over time and needs to be replaced and installed.
Things that you may need:
Push-pull throttle cables, A repair manual, Hand gloves, Safety glasses, necessary equipment for the practical framework like Phillip’s head and a flat head screwdriver, wrenches of different sizes, a rachet lubricant oil, cutter etcetera.
Know – How To Install Push Pull Throttle Cables
Push-pull throttle cable is widely famous for bikes. So here I’m showing how to install it on a motorcycle. If you are replacing your old push-pull throttle cable by installing a new one, then you have to learn how to replace it first.
Replacing the push-pull cable
- First, you have to remove your seat and the gas tank of your motorcycle.
- Find the carburetor, hold it and lose the clamp screws and remove the slide. Use the screwdrivers and wrenches for it.
- Undo the bottom knot or lock nut from the two throttle cable. Remove jam nuts by using two wrenches.
- Pull up the spring and grab the push throttle cable high so that you can make a place for getting it out. Take it out. Next is the pull throttle cable.
- Use your hand and rotate the butterfly valve a little bit right and take the old pull throttle cable out of it. Push the cable down to get it off the catch.
If you are done with the replacement now it’s time to install a new one. Let’s get to it.
Installing push-pull throttle cable
Step 1
Identify the route of the exact cable. You can check the bike manual for that.
Step 2
Undo the bolt beside the handlebar. Start turning the handlebars. Let Phillip’s head screw loosen out. Unplug the two wires from the handlebar switch connector. Check if you perfectly removed the screw, cable connection, and the old throttle cables.
Step 3
After turning the handlebars to the right, the lock will be engaged. See if you can notice a distance. This space makes the new cables go through well inside.
Step 4
Feed the pull cable through the throttle housing. You have to run the wire directly to the mounting space from the rider. It’s time to screw the wire and tighten the lock nut.
Step 5
Now the second push cable is going to be installed. You have to maintain the same way you used before. Run the cable through the housing and lock the nut at last.
Step 6
Make sure you routed the cables perfectly. Both the cable should not be overlapping, shouldn’t get tied with anything, and must not revolve around each other.
Step 7
Route the exposed cable through the throttle body. Keep the barrel slip at the side of the pull cable/accelerator cable in the throttle tube. Barrel of the push cable should lapse near the rider. These barrels need to slide into the valves.
Step 8
Install the other side of the two cables in the carburetor. Don’t forget to tighten the ends. Tie the end with the wire bracket. Lastly, tighten the guide lock nut to adjust the new cables.
Things you need to know
- Before installing the new pair of cables, lubricate them with your preferable oil. This will help prolong the lifespan of the cables
- At the beginning of installing the cables when you feed the cable through the housing, jam the nut with the metal cable. It helps to follow the right route of your cable.
- Check the valve if it is perfectly emptied and closed or not.
- Do not do hustle while using the cables. Use smoothly without sticking them together.
- Take same dimensional cables for installing.
- Check the operation of the cables and see the steering lock after installation.
Final Word
Now that you know how to install push-pull throttle cables, it’s time to get to work. Use gloves for avoiding unnecessary events, be cautious with the cables and little nuts and screws. I hope you’ll be able to install the new ones for a safer ride.

Hi, my name is Gabrielle. I have been into Automotive Industry for over 15 years. If you’re anything like me, then building, maintaining and improving your Automotive Industry/Projects is all part of the Automotive experience.
My goal with this blog is to share my experience with and help you discover new and exciting things about Automotive.