Rear dampers for a Plus 2 - Monroe MR246?

[alan]

if the original castellated nut is the same thread as the new shock piston rod maybe it could be used and Loctite put on the thread to lock it in place. Or be turned down to use it to locate and centralise the piston rod.
When you own a Lotus there is never a dull moment

[Bud English]

Have a look at this thread. I think it will answer the shaft diameter part of your questions.
lotus-suspension-f42/rear-damper-fixing-t22960.html

As for the large spacer...? Although there seems to be no way to secure it, it appears to be about the same thickness as the aluminum spacer that is used to activate the bump stop sooner. (P/N: 050D0154, Spacer - Bump Limiting From Chassis No. 1531) That spacer has a flange that goes over the nut at the top of the strut and is held in place by dimpling it with a center punch. I wouldn't think you'd want the spacer just floating there though.

[rgh0]

Does not look like anything i would use on the Elan or Plus 2 strut. Maybe for some other application the same strut may be used for like a Cortina front end ?

cheers
Rohan

[alan]

P/N: 050D0154, Spacer in the past was in alloy so it could be made to grip on top of tube and was not the same profile.
rohan , i think you are right and it is a generic part which can be used as and when needed e.g. on a cortina etc

[KevJ+2]

I have now been in contact with Gazmatic International and they say that the metal 'collars' I have shown in the photos go under the inserts. I am surprised at this and I look forward to seeing whether the inserts will still fit with these in. I will have a measure up first because if these 'collars' are a tight fit, they should be good fun to remove!
Who needs dull moments?
Kev.

[alan]

hi Kev,
could you tell me the name of the person you spoke to at Gazmatic international and the phone number if possible.
I sent an E-mail to someone called Dave but he thinks that i am talking amount top mount problems. He doesn't seem to know that the Collars to put at the bottom of the tube exist

[KevJ+2]

Hi Alan, the phone number is 01268 724585 Basildon, SS13 1EH.
I just asked for a technical enquiry but didn't get a name. As soon as I described the parts, he immediately told me that they go under the inserts. I haven't heard anyone else mention these but when the manufacturers supply them and tell you to fit them, what do you do
I will try fitting these on Sunday but remain sceptical and will let you know what happens.
Kev.

[bengalcharlie]

it is just a fancy washer and their only purpose is to eliminate any play between the insert and the tube. the nut securing the insert needs to be tight but nothing extreme. If you find this washer supplied is to thick just machine it to obtain the correct height so the nut sits close to end of the tube shaft

cheers robin

[alan]

hi Robin,
yes you're right. Do you put some oil in the tube also to protect against rust

[bengalcharlie]

hi alan

Good question. I seem to recall I had some oil in the tubes but my suspension specialist told me that it is not necessary. so it is up to you, it just makes a little messier if you take the inserts out again in the future.

[KevJ+2]

Robin, because of the dished or bowl shape of the collar, this means it's supposed to go at the very bottom of the tube, so I have been told by GAZ. I must stress, that this is not a washer that goes at the top as it will not pass over the damper rod and the diameter is too large to fit under the locking top nut.
Alan, oil in the tube helps cool the insert and some use anti freeze. Oil (I would think) also helps with anti corrosion.
Kev.

[bengalcharlie]

kev you are correct that the washer/spacer fits at the bottom of the insert but the only purpose is to eliminate any play and allowing the top nut to be in a comfortable position, not sitting to deep or to protrude too high over the tube. English is still a foreign language even after 18 years in NZ
you are correct that they use oil to prevent any seizing or cooling but not necessary according to my suspension specialist who has been in the alignment shock industry all his life.
cheers robin

[alan]

Robin,
just off subject but i am still struggling with French after living in France for 20 Years.
Last year 2013 we visited NZ from Jan to March to see my family who emigrated to NZ. Very nice place .
O.K. back to the subject and my Lotus +2. I will start the work (and fun ) to change the rear shocks in one week's time.

[KevJ+2]

Well, I finally got round to removing the new inserts and fitting the thick discs supplied by GAZ in the bottom. As expected, they are too thick and so am I for believing them
As I also expected, once they were wedged in, they were a real PITA to remove. So, as Robin said, I ended up putting a thick washer under the top nut but put a rubber washer in between so as not to damage the seal.
I also turned down a pair of spacers to go between the nylocs and lotocone as per the old special castle nuts.
All seems good so we'll see.
Kev.

[alan]

well done Kev and thanks for the info
Alan