Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi All,

I am rebuilding my rack.

When I took it apart I discovered a hole near to the passanger side mounting. It was cover with tape. It looks original.

What is it for? Should I just cover it with tape again?

Thanks,

Simon

Hi Simon,
Mine has a hole there too so I think it's normal, once the rack is installed it's covered by the mounting bush. No idea why it's there - maybe to locate the rack tube in a jig during manufacture?

Regards,

My +2 rack has a plastic disc in this hole about 4.5mm thick - looks like white nylon. I assumed it was there to stop rattle.
When the rubber mount is clamped over it, the plastic disc presses on the rack.
The rack had no signs of wear & car is quite original, so I put it back when I rebuilt it.
Strangely, not shown in the parts manual.
Not sure if this helps?

Reards
Grant

Roger, Grant,

Yes that is the hole - So it is quite normal then.

I'll just put it back how it was then!

Thanks,

Simon

The hole is purely for ventilation for the bellows when they pump & suck during movement.

bcmc33 wrote:The hole is purely for ventilation for the bellows when they pump & suck during movement.

Certainly does that with the rack on the bench but the rubber mount covers the hole when it's fitted in the car.

Regards,

Simon

Moss Europe sell that nylon plug part number 145108 for ?2.50 for the Spitfire rack. I imagine the other Triumph suppliers stock them as well.

I had some from Sue Miller a year or two ago. What she did not have off course was
Steering Rack Ball-Joint/Tie-Rods, the propper Elan ones that is, not the longer
Herald/Spitfire type.
Anyone have a source for these at all

Fredtech wrote:I had some from Sue Miller a year or two ago. What she did not have off course was
Steering Rack Ball-Joint/Tie-Rods, the propper Elan ones that is, not the longer
Herald/Spitfire type.
Anyone have a source for these at all

Here in the US, JAE has them.

Sue Miller should have the small nylon anti rattle plugs. Its no big deal if its not there but fit it if you have it. The ventilation is not an issue as the bellows compensate one and other, as one compresses the other ventilates. They cancel each other out ..so to speak...

The little nylon plug comes as part of a rebuild kit for the rack.

AB....

alexblack13 wrote:The ventilation is not an issue as the bellows compensate one and other, as one compresses the other ventilates. They cancel each other out ..so to speak....

Not always , Alec, not always.........that's why we put vent holes were put in in the first place....err sorry, second place.
I'll explain when I see you at the NEC.............I assume you're going to the NEC.

Yes..I am going with Mrs B... Brian.. You can educate me then..

Its not a vent Brian.... Its for the nylon plug. Supposed to stop the rack rattle.. Some hope. The one i took out had long worn down to the steelwork. It was still a very tight fit though.

C U down there and we can continue the discussion...

AleX(ander) with an X..... Ye all.... Being Scottish an all that...If I were from down there it would be spelt with a 'C' ...

Copied??

Kind regards to all..

Alex..

alexblack13 wrote:AleX(ander) with an X..... Ye all.... Being Scottish an all that...If I were from down there it would be spelt with a 'C' ...

Sorry AleX.....typo error. But has it happens there is a story to that as well. Something else to discuss at the NEC.

No worries what so ever Brian...

You are buying though!!

Alex..

You can buy all parts to rebuild your steering rack from a company in Birmingham or they will rebuild it for you.

In the last month I recently brought new:
Rack
Pinion 6 or 7 tooth
Tie rods
Bushes
Basically everything except the housing

I will look for the address

Cheers
Steve