Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I am replacing a bent hub on a +2 I recently bought. The previous owner provided a replacement hub. He mentioned the wheel had come loose while driving after an amateur mechanic bent the old hub replacing the bearing. I noticed the center of the new hub appears to be misaligned when it was machined. Will this cause any problems with wheel balance? I also noticed some damage to the axle. I think it may be too far gone. The dark area is gouged and there is a matching gouge on the other side. The lighter metal looks like it has been filed down. I assume this will weaken a critical part. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you in advance! Tony

I'm no expert but I wouldn't touch that with a barge pole....the axle that is..is that a key slot going the wrong way??

John

P.S Don't worry about the hub,they're all like that.

yes I agree you need a new axle. It is desirable to lap the hub and axle together using fine valve grinding paste to ensure a good fit on the taper.

cheers
Rohan

I've tried uploading the photo (axle) to have a closer look but it's not much better...has the taper been machined off?

John

What on earth is up with that axle. It is not right. Get a new axles, and probably new bearings

OMG what has been done to that? Looks like someone may have converted it to take hubs from another vehicle?
You're going to need that replacing! Also that outer bearing looks to be open as in there is no seal to keep the dirt out... If it's not shot already it soon will be!

The key slot is fine, just on the other side of the photo. I will replace the axle. Glad to hear other hubs are off center too. Thank you!

It looks like a new straight rather than tapered axle has been made up and I presume the hub was bored to fit a straight shaft. Not surprising that it came loose and damaged the shaft.

You need to check whether the other side has been similarly modified and replace it also if it has.

cheers
Rohan

The hub and shaft are tapered, it has the key slot and appears to be original, just a poor angle on the picture. I am looking for a new shaft. Thanks for all of the advise, I really appreciate it.

Tony

Amazing how the angle of the photo compensates exactly for the angle of the taper to make the shaft look parallel.

You can never trust photos

cheers
Rohan

and even with the photo enlarged it certainly looks like a big key-way going the wrong way...

John