An A330 First Officer's fore and aft rudder pedal adjustment actuator failed and so prior to flight had to be repaired over the objections of Maintenance Control.

Narrative

During briefing with the flightcrew we discussed MEL concerning First Officer rudder pedal adjustment. During briefing with the Dispatcher and Maintenance Control we asked questions about the MEL and its wording/our responsibilities. We were ALL under the impression that the rudder pedals were fixed in position; no adjustment possible. Since all three pilots that might occupy that seat during the flight are different in stature; we voiced our concerns. The Dispatcher told Maintenance Control that we should have it fixed...and Maintenance Control told us how 'long' that would delay the flight; as in...'You're refusing to take the aircraft!'...their verbiage. When we arrived at the aircraft we quickly discovered that the rudder pedals could be adjusted. The actuator was broken so that the rudder pedals would not return to the zero position automatically; but had to be pulled back by inserting your toes under the pedals and pulling after the adjustment handle was pulled out. The Mechanic showed us that the rudder pedals in fact could be adjusted in any position; but if you exceed an operating range for your comfort and height adjustment; you would therefore; need to manually pull them back with your toes. The Mechanic allowed the First Officer to sit in the seat to familiarize myself with the 'new discovery' which was not the MEL that originally discussed with the Dispatcher during our briefing. When he pulled the release handle and pushed forward; the rudder pedals 'slammed' to the floor stop. The Mechanic made a remark that essentially made me look like an idiot and said that there is 'no actuator' so you don't have to push like you normally does. I said...'that's the first time that I was told there was 'no actuator' since the original MEL applied did not accurately describe the condition (IE. fixed position). The First Officer left the seat and Mechanic took his place; wiggling the pedals and returning them to another position. 1. Very few pilots fly with the rudder pedals full forward because of their height. 2. The pedals were stuck full forward; requiring numerous opposite pedal movement to correct. 3. As far as the Dispatcher and Maintenance Control Supervisor were concerned; our MEL wasn't as expected. 4. If the pedals became stuck again; and we had to fly the aircraft single engine from the right seat; serious problems could arise. 5. Maintenance Control said the fix for the actuator was at this airport but could take 4 to 5 hours. Therefore; it was requested that the 'new discovery' be fixed by replacing the actuator. It was done in 2 hours I believe; thanks to the two mechanics that quickly got to work.