Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I'm rebuilding the rear struts for my S4 and have a pair of Gaz adjustable inserts from Paul Matty,

In the box are these two objects that look like spacers, but I can't see that they fit anywhere!

If I put them inside the tube the insert sticks out the top by the same distance as the thickness of these spacers, and the screw collar can't be screwed into the tube to secure the insert.

They don't fit the profile of the top plate, and I couldn't see what purpose they would serve if they were put there!

I have built the legs with the inserts and without these spacers, and they go together just fine. I'm assuming they are for a general purpose application and would be used to shorted the tube depth on another model of car.

Any views before I pop the legs back on?

Mark

Mark,

I don’t know what they are for, but dimensions might help.

Richard Hawkins

Hi Mark,
My TTR adjustable inserts were supplied with identical looking spacers to go in the bottom of the strut tube, without them the top cap nut would not clamp the insert fully. They also provide a seat for the rounded end of the bottom of the insert and centralise it in the strut tube. Not familiar with the Gaz inserts but maybe they are the same set-up ?
Just a thought .... did you have the large internal champfer uppermost when you tried it in the bottom of the tube ?

That's what I figured they were for, as the champfer fits the bottom of the tube just right. Yes, it was the right way around, and the insert fits perfectly to the top of the tube without it in, and is clamped in place with the top cap nut!

Just had a thought. I wonder if there was already a spacer in the tube that was stuck in there!

Elanintheforest wrote:Just had a thought. I wonder if there was already a spacer in the tube that was stuck in there!

Bingo! I had a the exact same situation with my car!
Innes

The tubes both had a very thick oil in them, and despite washing them out with brake cleaner, after 40 odd years I'm sure the old spacers could be well stuck at the bottom.

As they are obviously not for any other purpose, and the inserts fit perfectly, I'm happy now!

I remember getting some with my GAZ inserts as well. I can't remember if I put them in or not!