Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

As my S4 was previously refreshed by my dad (about 20-25 years ago) and is in generally good shape, my intent has been to drive it and work on it as small things come up to learn about it and create a list/gather parts for a comprehensive, body off restoration in a few years (maybe kick it off when she turns 50?).

I had hoped to drive it down to see a TC specialist in a few weeks about. He is about 4 hours away, but I have another reason for the trip and since he is there I thought it might be good chance to meet and get his thoughts and observations. After looking at my donuts this weekend, I'm thinking that may not be advisable and that I may need to speed up my plans to replace with CVs before a full renovation - but I'm holding out irrational hope that the experts here tell me otherwise.

Erm.......ive seen worse.....and in use.......
They don't look like they're separating from the metal so seem ok to me

Is that a full crack in one of them? They look pretty iffy to me. Lets let others chime in.

Erm.......ive seen worse.....and in use.......
They don't look like they're separating from the metal so seem ok to me

I would think it is wiser to bring forward the fitting of CVs.
Alan

What concerns me is the second picture. About 2 oclock. Is that a slit the entire width of the donut? Or is is just a shadow?

Yes - picture 2 at 2 o'clock. I think that section needs to be checked carefully. It looks like a crack to me, and it depends how deep it is I suppose.

2-3mm deep OK for now but change soon, but any deeper change ASAP?

Dave Chapman.

+1 for the above,bin and go for the CV's or U/J's...

John

I wanted to check again thinking what several of you saw was exagerated by lighting and angle - I was right, but on changing my angle I spied one much worse - a through and through - so I'm definitely going to have to tackle the rear end before getting back on the road. So much for budgeting! I'll restart my reading on cv options, happy for any experience you may have with particular versions and how I might determine best value for my S4. Will also start my list of other things to do while dismantling pieces back there.

3 different angles on the previously unseen break.

Hi
Have recently replaced mine with the Australian version manf. in here in Australia by Elantrikbits.
I agonised over spending the money but after evaluating all the options they really are the only way to go, all the other options seem to be a bit makeshift and have their drawbacks IMO.
During replacement it was noted that there had been previous failure and believe me it made a he'll of a mess so give those bloody donuts the flick and make the change.
The trikbits version is the premium way to go but if you don't think you can afford them anything is better than living with the threat of those rubber devils letting go on you.
The car drives so much nicer too as an added bonus.
Forget that malarcky about the traditional Elan windup being so pucka and the way they were designed.
The driving pleasure is only increased in the knowledge that one of those driveshafts aren't going to let go causing much damage and perhaps even more importantly threat to life and limb.

Please don't be alarmed, just get a set of CV's and replace those horrible donuts asap. I wouldn't give those donuts to a starving policeman,

In 1970 I attended a SCCA ( Sports Car Club of America ) SOLO II event, sometimes called a Gymkana. There was a 67 Elan in attendance. One of the first I ever saw. Twenty seconds into the first run his right rear inner donut failed. The rear axle flayed around until he was able to stop. He was only going about 35 miles per hour. The Rear Lower Control Arm was bent, the axle tore a hole in the gas tank, and then then tore up some fiberglass.

I said to myself I'm never buying one of those cars!!!! I didn't buy one, I now have seven !!!

Check all the usual fine suppliers, buy a set, and install them. Best money ever spent !

Best of luck but don't drive on those donuts.

Frank

SENC wrote:I wanted to check again thinking what several of you saw was exagerated by lighting and angle - I was right, but on changing my angle I spied one much worse - a through and through - so I'm definitely going to have to tackle the rear end before getting back on the road. So much for budgeting! I'll restart my reading on cv options, happy for any experience you may have with particular versions and how I might determine best value for my S4. Will also start my list of other things to do while dismantling pieces back there.

3 different angles on the previously unseen break.

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Good catch. Contact JAE Parts, Dave Bean Engineering or RD Enterprises. They all sell the same well made kit to convert to CV Joints. The replacement donuts are of poor quality now.

Worth every penny.

http://www.jaeparts.com/

http://davebean.com/

http://www.rdent.com/

StressCraxx wrote:
Good catch. Contact JAE Parts, Dave Bean Engineering or RD Enterprises. They all sell the same well made kit to convert to CV Joints. The replacement donuts are of poor quality now.

Worth every penny.

http://www.jaeparts.com/

http://davebean.com/

http://www.rdent.com/

I have these on my plus two and think they are a very good option as they also replace the output shaft. This gives them increased length and reduced angles of deflection. While I am not certain but they may avoid the need to got travel limiter on an elan as needed but a lot of the other options.

They are the most expensive option, more than trickbits but you are getting new out put shaft too which are another common failure point.

How is the rear disk attached with the Elantrikbits setup?

ah.....they look like they need to be done asap.......
I looked at it on my phone and decided it was shadow and tiny surface cracks.......
now with those photos I can see its not......