Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi all,
I am in the process of taking out the diff, so I need to undo the left hand frame bolts. I've managed to undo the lock nut no problem but I cannot get the bolt out.

Whacking it with a hammer doesn't shift it and I've tried undoing it with a spanner, which seems to shift it a bit but it just bounces back to its original position.

Is there a trick to this or do I just hit it harder with the 4lb lump hammer?!

Thanks,
Dario

When was the last time they were removed? If a loooonnng time ago, and anti sieze wasn't used, they're most likely siezed up in the bush. Might need a dremel tool with a small cutoff wheel to cut them out.

Greg Z

Dario

If you are talking about one of the bolts securing the rear wishbone to the chassis lugs it sounds as if the bolt is rusted into the steel core of the bush. If so, lots of penetrating oil rather than lump hammer is called for. In extremis an angle grinder maybe or drill the bolt head off. The other possibility is to remove the bolts from the other end of the wishbone at the rear strut.

Greg beat me to it.

Thanks chaps. I would guess that they've been untouched for around 15 years, since the Spyder chassis was fitted. I'll get loads of WD40 onto it and try later.

Forget the WD you need proper penetrating fluid, Penol / Plus Gas / or an equivalent product.

I'm sure I have used a small hub puller in the past!