Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Looking at the Aurora rod end bearings (PTFE lined) available from Pegasus Racing, for my adjustable front suspension on my '66 SE Elan that I am currently doing a ground-up restoration on, I see a choice between carbon steel rod end ones at about $20 each or the alloy steel versions at about $50 each. If I am intending to use the car for auto slaloms and track days rather than serious racing, am I OK with the carbon steel ones?

I'm sure you'll get more learned responses but from memory carbon steel is relatively brittle - alloy steel is much tougher. I think I'd go for the alloy type.
Cheers
Baggy

Just ask yourself if your life s worth the extra $120 and you'll have your answer.

EricB wrote:Looking at the Aurora rod end bearings (PTFE lined) available from Pegasus Racing, for my adjustable front suspension on my '66 SE Elan that I am currently doing a ground-up restoration on, I see a choice between carbon steel rod end ones at about $20 each or the alloy steel versions at about $50 each. If I am intending to use the car for auto slaloms and track days rather than serious racing, am I OK with the carbon steel ones?

The $20 Carbon steel ones are not lined and they will wear quickly. They are not made to the tolerances or precision of the alloy version. In addition, either version will have the bearing exposed to the elements. Not ideal. So, the solution are these:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... ealsit.php

In addition, since the bearings are in single shear, one should use a capture washer under the head of the fixing bolt in case of joint bearing failure.
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/docum ... =TECH00014

For background on the above, since you are making an engineering change, read "Prepare to Win by Carroll Smith, http://www.carrollsmith.com/books/index.html