Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hello group,
I'm fairly new to the list - own a '71 Elan that I've been putting back
into proper mechanical condition.
My question must surely have come up before - how does one R&R the
entire rear stut in the rear hub housing? Sources I've spoken to so far
tell me they can't be removed - only the guts rebuilt, yet new struts
are for sale at all the usual suppliers.
Your wisdom is appreciated...
Greg
FST FLWR
1971 Elan S4

Well - The usual suppliers may say they are rear struts, but they are
inserts.

John
66 Elan DHC

Greg Tatarian wrote:

On Fri, 01 Sep 2006 07:19:41 -0700, Greg Tatarian wrote:


The usual repair is a new insert, i.e just the guts accessed by
removing the threaded cap at the top of the outer tube. The outer tube
is often centre popped into dimples on the threaded cap requiring that
the outer tube centre popping is removed to avoid thread damage when
unscrewing the cap. This is usually done by drilling a small (say
3/32") diameter hole lined up with the dimple.

Over time the threads can get damaged and the spring platforms rust
through necessitating replacement. New (bare) outer tube and spring
platform assemblies are available to a slightly different design to
the original fitment.

Removal of the outer tube and spring platform from a hub carrier just
needs a bit of controlled heat and then application of a suitable
hammer/drift or hydraulic press.

--
Martin

72/45

Thank you all for your input on the strut replacement protocol - very
enlightening!
Cheers,
Greg
FST FLWR
1971 Elan S4

Martin Evans wrote: