Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

My '66 S2 failed inspection due to play in the passenger-side front wheel. The inspector said I needed to replace the inner tie rod ends, which I'm doing, but most of the play is due to a worn bushing inside the rack housing at the end away from the pinion. This is evident when the gaiters are removed. The manual says the bushing can be replaced (actually, it says there are two on that end, one next to another), and I can get the part. Does anyone have experience replacing it? Is it a straightforward operation that any competent machine shop can handle?

Thanks,
Andrew

Andrew,

I've done this. The bush is split along one side, and can be removed by gentle use of a nail or small chisel to curl it in and then pull out with a needle nosed pliers.

The new bush can be tapped in easily.

There is only one bush, 1 1/2" long, 23.50 mm OD, 20.65 ID. The bush is steel with a perforated copper type inlay.

I failed to source a bush in the UK, and got it from Moss Motors California, USA.
$14.95 each. Get two or more and save on shipping !

Triumph Spitfire rack assembly and part nos can be seen at:

<a href='http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=33018' target='_blank'>http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProduct...teIndexID=33018</a>

Some time ago I fitted a "reconditioned" steering rack supplied by a well known UK Lotus parts supplier. When I took it for an Engineer's Report, everything was OK except for the bush. When I got the new bush and dismantled the rack, it was plain to see that the bush in the "recon" unit was badly worn but had been "bodgered" by peening the outer end with a hammer and screw driver to expand the edge and stop it rattling around. So always check what you're getting, or do it yourself to be sure !

Sean Murray

While on the topic of steering racks. I know the Elan rack is a 'modified' Triumph Spitfire/Herald unit? What's been modified?? Triumph steering racks are easy to come by so if I can do the modification myself...

Thanks

Carl

Sean,

(Belated) Thanks for the reply. Everything was as you said, but I was unable to get the pinion assembly out (corroded in place). The shop handled that and replaced the bushing. I put it back together last weekend and the results are excellent - no slop at all when the wheels are on the ground.

Andrew