W126 V8 Pedal Slack - Throttle Roller Part
 

Hi guys.
I just purchased an 85 380se that is developing some pedal slack. It's getting pretty annoying at stop lights and it causes the auto transmission to shift early, so yesterday, I removed the air cleaner housing and took a look at the throttle linkage. I found a significant amount of play at the part circled in the attached picture. Of course, I figured I could just replace this plastic roller and it would be pretty easy to find online, but I can't find this part new anywhere. A fix for this issue or a link to a page where this part is sold would be greatly appreciated and would help tremendously.

The Fix
 

Well, after I spent a few hours online trying to locate a replacement, I decided I was really wasting my time and I could just make one myself. After all, it's just a simple plastic bushing.
I stopped at a local craft store and bought a foot long plastic dowel rod 3/4" in diameter for less than a dollar. When I got home, I cut a small piece off the end a little longer than the original roller so I could sand it down to perfect length on the belt. Then, if I remember right, I used a 13/64" drill bit (the hole was a bit smaller but I don't have a metric set) to drill a hole in the center (make sure you drill exactly in the center or the roller will not roll properly and wear out faster). Afterwards, all I had to do was shrink the diameter. I put it on a nail and let it roll against the grinder wheel as I pressed down and checked it in the guide every 10-20 seconds or so until it fit perfectly (would recommend glasses for this part). Then I just added some light oil.
When all was done, I had reduced my pedal slack significantly for less than a dollar and 10 minutes. If you're having this problem, hope this helps and best of luck. Have a great day. :)