How Not To Repair A Broken Caliper Mount

PostPost by: 111Robin » Wed Apr 06, 2022 3:45 pm

Having just disassembled the rear end of my Plus 2, beginning to discover bodges that are very dubious. This is a "repair" done to the rear hub carrier caliper mounting. A plate screwed to the housing and "welded" to the flange. This will be going into the scrap bin shortly. Hopefully this was done just to get by when these cars were worthless and not an attempt to "do it right".
(I am on the lookout for a replacement in the wanted section)
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PostPost by: mbell » Wed Apr 06, 2022 6:18 pm

This was the "repair" on mine, the repair happened before me but the cracking occurred during my use. Luckily i'd sourced a new carrier as new about it, so was able to address it when i saw the cracking.

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PostPost by: 111Robin » Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:42 pm

Good job you spotted that. Although this repair looks outwardly strong I still wouldn't trust it, it's obviously just a bodge.
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PostPost by: mbell » Wed Apr 06, 2022 8:06 pm

Yes, looks like some of the ribs have been removed in your which would concern me. A new carrier is cheap compare to the damage and injuries a failure could cause
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PostPost by: StressCraxx » Wed Apr 06, 2022 11:34 pm

Good catch. Hope you can replace with new. Even if you find an unbroken used one, the 50 year old castings usually have worn bearing bore fits. There are ways to repair the bores with ceramic epoxy but the machining would require making fixtures to hold the carrier for accurate boring.
There is no cure for Lotus, only treatment.
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PostPost by: DavidLB » Thu Apr 07, 2022 3:37 pm

I can see why you asked if I had one one should never be surprised at the bodges that can be perpetrated even in the best circles David
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PostPost by: 111Robin » Thu Apr 07, 2022 7:21 pm

I'm taking the carrier to a weld shop who specialise in aluminium welding to see if they think they can reconstitute the caliper lugs. I think it's worth a try before throwing it away.
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