Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi

I recently did a full overhaul of the front suspension with new poly bushes and shockers .On taking the car out for a ride around 70 miles I noticed a lot of squeaking from the suspension. So out with the jack and OMG I found the wish bones had moved along the bushes and were catching on the uprights . I fitted these with original washers so I had no reason to think there could be a problem. From what I could make out the washers were not big enough to stop the wishbone from sliding off over the shoulders of the bush.I have now fitted larger washers to stop the wish bone passing the lugs on the bush. When I bought the bush kit from a reputable lotus dealer there is no mention of extra large washers needed when fitting these.( not acceptable really).I am apprehensive now as to whether to original bushes are better, at least they are a press fit. Anyone else had this problem

As I have also sent the steering rack away for refurb .I will keep an eye on them and report as to whether the problem is now solved when I'm back on the road next week.

G

Stay with original "metalastic" bushes.
I only hear problems with poly bushes.
Just had this sort of problem with AVOs crumbling crap red bushes.
Alan

Thanks Alan

According to quite a few Lotus parts suppliers and other classic dealers these poly bushes are the way forward but having seen what could be a disaster I'm thinking they are not what they are made out to be and will be looking and keeping my eye on this one.

Cheers

G

AVO have redesigned and gone to Metalastic bushes/ hardened steel sleeves.
In short they've stopped trying to reinvent the Wheel lol.
Alan

alan.barker wrote:AVO have redesigned and gone to Metalastic bushes/ hardened steel sleeves.
In short they've stopped trying to reinvent the Wheel lol.
Alan

Don’t buy AVO. Poor quality and customer service.

Hi

Polybushes can be OK, but I would evaluate each application on its merits. Generally they are favoured where fitting the OEM type is difficult.

Berni

I am with Alan, having used metalistic and poly on two elans I would stay rubber, it is a better ride and reduces stresses on components.

You only ever see OEMS sometimes using polyurethane on stabilizer bar link bushes, Never anywhere else. There’s a message there I think.

I’m beginning to think I should not have bought these and stuck with the OE

I have a set of rears to fit as well and there not cheap although what I can see they will be fitted and trapped in place by the lugs on the chassis and bottom bracket of suspension

I will see how they go now I’ve fitted bigger washers

I wish I had put this question out to you guys first OEs or Polys

G

G

Make sure you are using the correct size washers on the front. I like my washers how I like my women

Leslie

If your Shocks are AVO phone them and ask for the "heavy duty" Bushes.
They sent me the "Heavy Duty" gratis.
Alan

MACCA.GLM wrote:Hi

I fitted these with original washers so I had no reason to think there could be a problem. From what I could make out the washers were not big enough to stop the wishbone from sliding off over the shoulders of the bush.I have now fitted larger washers to stop the wish bone passing the lugs on the bush. When I bought the bush kit from a reputable lotus dealer there is no mention of extra large washers needed when fitting these.( not acceptable really).

G

I had a similar experience when I put the poly bushings on my Elan. Bought from a different supplier than you likely as I'm in the US, but again no mention of needing larger washers. After a brief discussion with the supplier I was advised to buy oversized washers, which I sourced from McMaster-Carr. I don't remember exactly what size they were but I recall that you want an ID as small as possible that still fits over the threads so that when everything is tightened the washer seats firmly against the "step" on the stud.

No issues since, and that was about 2 years and 3 track days ago.

As for how they compare to the conventional double sleeve/rubber design I can't comment. I never drove my Elan before I rebuilt the suspension and put the poly bushings in.

One bushing that I will firmly advocate for not returning to rubber is the sway bar drop link bushings. Those seem to get bathed in oil and I'd imagine a rubber bushing would degrade rapidly.

-Ben

If over sized washers come into play, .i.e. are actually needed, then you have a problem.
Mine are there simply as a safety device should the original Metalastic type, or wishbones, move.
One of the many things I check before my MOT is that there is still a gap between the bushes, and the washers.
i.e. nothing has moved.

Ralph.

The washers I used are approx 30mm OD the same size as the OD of the wishbones and are 1 1/2 mm thick
These were in my collection of fasteners and washers. I will know how these will work next week when I get my steering rack back. fingers crossed eh.

cheers g