Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

With the refurb almost complete, it's time to consider the tightening up of all the suspension nuts and bolts.

I built everything and loosely fitted it, with the intention of tightening it all up once the car was completed.

Can anyone help with regards to the process of setting the suspension up by pre loading the car, and which way of doing it is best please?

Any special things to look out for and what in order are the bolts tightened ?

Your advice please?

Not sure if any of you out there have perhaps put a bag of Spuds in the Drivers seat, to 'Pre-load ' the suspension, when tightening the bushes up, etc ??
,

Phil.

I got the assistance of one daughter and one dog the make up the drivers weight. The daughter was willing the dog not so much so.
The workshop manual covers this reasonably well.
I would also add some weight for the 1/2 a fuel tank 16 or 17 kgs or so....
Graeme

Sounds like you are nearly there!

What dampers/springs do you have?

To set the suspension I get the ballast to lean on the appropriate corner, then with the wheel removed, jack-up the suspension until it is in about the right place - Requires a lot less effort.

It isn't an exact science! so approximately is easily good enough