Help with rear suspension.

[peterako]

Slightly off topic.

I've had Mick Miller CV's on my +2 for nearly 3 years now. Well over 20,000 miles.

They are one of the best investments I've made in my car regarding driveabilty and peace of mind.

Best of luck with the Elan!

Peter

[alexblack13]

Hi Mark, All,

Mark, this should be easier to do with the body off. Have you tried 'shortning' the driveshafts? Have you plunged /compressed them as far as they will go? They ''should'' shorten a bit. I am not sure how much but you wont harm them finding out. Susan Millar or even Andy at Spider would be worth a call if you are unsure. I would place them standing on end on my wooden workbench and gently tap the ends downwards. Use a nylon or soft face mallet. Gently!! Measure the lenght b4 you start and stop when you feel any resistance. You might find they go short enough to be fitted at an angle into one end ?? Bolt that end up tightish and then straighten the driveshaft to line up with the other end. You then need to 'lenghthen' them again to fit into the other end. ?? I have not used these driveshafts, but the spider items I fitted compressed about 20 mm just at the one CV joint which made it a lot easier to fit.

Hellova lot better access with the body off which should help rather than hinder.

If you try compressing the driveshafts go gently. They are very robust but as I said, I do not have any experience with that type.

Good luck with it..Soon be the longer nights!! Clocks forward this w/end.

Alex B....

[marklowe]

Hi Alex
I?m now pretty convinced it?s better to fit the body first, the instructions that came with the CV shafts states that the wheels should not be rotated with the suspension at full droop, so moving the chassis about with the CV shafts fitted and no weight on it is a bit of a no no.
But I will try to fitting the CV shafts without disconnecting the wishbones, as you suggest they do compress a little, and this may be enough.

Mark

[ppnelan]

...the instructions that came with the CV shafts states that the wheels should not be rotated with the suspension at full droop

If it's a road car you'd better be careful on the MoT test - they always jack up my cars by the chassis until the tyres are off the ground, then rotate the wheels to check all is well. Not surprisingly, there's usually a cracking sound as the doughnuts start to delaminate...

Matthew

[john.p.clegg]

Matthew

"MoT test - they always jack up my cars by the chassis "....this year I caught them jacking using the A frames.....was not best pleased......

John

[peterako]

....this year I caught them jacking using the A frames.....was not best pleased......

I'll bet it passed but left there in worse condition than it arrived.....

Peter