Track Rod Ends and a Steel Wheel

[dlb123]

Greetings all.

Currently getting stuck into bolting the front end of the elan +2 to the chassis.

Slightly confused by the rubber gaitor on the track rod end, which when bolted down and compressed is rubbing on the brake disk... Any thoughts?

I also managed to pick up some old 13 inch steel wheels in fairly nice condition. Only snag is I've noticed the peg holes in one of them are slightly worn. Is it worth getting them welded/drilled? The wheel bolts up nice and tight, and I was thinking that if they were on the front, it will only be subjected to braking force, and therefore not knock back and forth...

Thanks as ever

Dave

[alan.barker]

Hi Dave,
take a look at the Steering Lever where it's bolted to the Hub.
I think no spacers have been fitted
Alan

[MarkDa]

I'd be tempted to say that the steering 'bracket' is bent.

[alanr]

My +2 has exactly the same problem. The track rod end rubber boot rubs on the disc on both sides of the car so don't think anything bent in my case.
I haven't got around to finding a solution to it yet!

Alan.

[Lyn7]

Hi. I would suggest that the track rod boot is at fault. I know the originals were much squarer when fitted and did not bulge. I have had my car a long time . The replacement after market boot's are not always a good replacement. Good luck finding one with a better shape.

[MarkDa]

There are several track rod end manufacturers you may find they have different head size and boot configurations.
Mine are Moog and are clear of disc.

[alan.barker]

No Spacers/Thick Washer fitted between Track Rod Arm and Vertical Link.
Part number 050C6014 part n° corrected sorry about that
Alan

[alanr]

I guess a spacer washer may well be a solution but I can't see where in my +2 Parts manual a spacer of that number is fitted as standard original fitment.

Alan

[h20hamelan]

Energy suspension sells poly boots
This is what I will be getting

[alan.barker]

Sorry i wrote the wrong Part n° it is 050C6014 Spacer for Vertical Link to Steering Arm.
If you look in the Lotus +2 Parts list it's in Section "C" Front Suspension Item 31 on page CA 2.
You can buy me a Beer later Boys
Alan

[draenog]

The parts list shows a spacer on one of the bolts holding the arm to the vertical link, but when I dismantled the front suspension on my +2 earlier this year I actually found two (one on each bolt). No idea if this is how it left the factory or somebody added it later, but as I haven't had any problem with clearance I reassembled it as it was (with new nuts/bolts/washers).

[alan.barker]

That's right 2 Spacers for each Steering Arm to Vertical Link. One for each Bolt
Alan

[draenog]

Seems the spacer's been discussed before:

https://lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=38522

Note the comment about using only one shim as "really bad practice"

edit:

Another discussion:

https://lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=41918

[MarkDa]

Looking at a few of the threads suggested and further links it would seem that this is a regular problem.
Mention is made of replacement TRE having bigger heads than those removed.
The dust shield has all four bolts through it so it doesn't need any compensation spacers.
A pragmatic solution is to insert washers both ends to move arm away from disc.
I expect there will be some small change in the steering geometry but I doubt it will be significant enough for most of us to be aware of it in day to day driving.

[quaybook]

I've had a steel wheel with slightly oval peg holes. It was fine on the front, but I stupidly put it on the rear in error once and nearly lost the wheel - it loosened the spinner after about 50 miles. After that I marked the inside of the rim 'rear only' !

Vernon