You Won't Believe What Happens When Gearheads Replace Accelerator Cables with Brake Fluid

Have you ever checked your throttle fluid recently? Wait, what? You only have a mechanical linkage between the gas pedal and the engine? Well, a group of innovative tinkerers from Garage 54 in Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia, have taken it upon themselves to revolutionize this age-old design.

Meet the Mavericks of Garage 54

The ever-inventive team at Garage 54, known for their highly unconventional automotive experiments, have decided to abandon the traditional cable assembly in favor of a hydraulic-actuated system. Imagine converting an old Soviet-era Lada's throttle control to use hydraulic fluid instead of a cable. It sounds like a science project gone mad, but it's actually grounded in solid engineering.

This isn't entirely a new concept. The idea of using fluids for motion transfer isn’t unfamiliar in engineering, although it's uncommon in automotive throttle systems. Garage 54's mad scientists achieved this feat by repurposing a hydraulic actuator, typically found in clutches, to control the throttle. Surprisingly, the car works flawlessly with this setup, showcasing smoother and more precise throttle response compared to traditional cable systems.

Why Hydraulic Throttle?

One advantage of this hydraulic system is that it mitigates the effects of car vibrations. When the vehicle hits a pothole, the fluid in the throttle line does not react in the same way a mechanical cable does, leading to a more consistent driving experience. Vladimir Barashenko, the spokesperson for Garage 54, has yet to comment on whether the gas pedal feels like a clutch due to the shared hydraulic system. It’s unlikely, though, since the clutch's pressure plate exerts much more force than a throttle linkage spring.

Hydraulics in Automobiles: A Mixed Bag

Surprisingly, this hydraulic throttle concept has never made it to mainstream automotive manufacturing. While hydraulics are common in heavy machinery, they can add complexity and potential points of failure in regular vehicles. Factors such as pressure and temperature can cause wear and tear on seals, hoses, and even pumps. However, in Garage 54's low-pressure hydraulic throttle system, such issues are minimal. Hypothetically, the hydraulic system could last indefinitely without the need for frequent maintenance.

The Nuts and Bolts of Hydraulic Throttle

In Garage 54's experiment, they used brake and clutch fluid for the throttle master cylinder. Under normal conditions, this setup avoids the overheating issues that brake systems face due to friction. This means the hydraulic throttle could theoretically last for decades, outliving even the car itself. For those daring enough to attempt this at home, you’d need two differently sized pistons, brake fluid, hoses, lines, seals, couplings, and a sacrificial test vehicle. Just make sure you're ready for some trial and error before hitting the open road.

Conclusion: A Futuristic Approach?

If your curiosity is piqued and you’re keen to see this in action, check out the Garage 54 video below. The team’s ingenuity could pave the way for future automotive designs that prioritize smoother and more responsive throttle controls. And who knows? Maybe one day, hydraulic throttle systems could become a mainstay in automotive engineering, thanks to these out-of-the-box thinkers from Siberia.