Installing Rotoflex Couplings with Body Off

[Tmac897]

I'm finishing up the rebuild of the rear suspension and rear drive train. Everything is renewed and reinstalled but the rotoflex couplings. The body is currently off the chassis, so I don't think I have anywhere near enough weight to depress the rear springs sufficiently by just jacking up the rear hub, to install the couplings. Anybody ever do this successfully?

[Foxie]

Why not load up the chassis with a few concrete blocks to get the drive shafts axes horizontal ?

[StressCraxx]

Another way is to string multiple hose clamps through the springs to compress them so the wishbones are level.

[Tmac897]

Another way is to string multiple hose clamps through the springs to compress them so the wishbones are level.

Have yo tried this in the past? Concerned that hose clamps might not support that much force.

[vincereynard]

Why not simple spring compressors?
Unless you know otherwise I'd have my doubts about
hose clamps. (Plus concrete blocks?)
Good tie down straps would have sufficient strength. Breaking strain well over a ton. I use then to "jack" the drive shaft level to give the best angle of attachment.

[Tmac897]

[quote="vincereynard"]Why not simple spring compressors?
/quote]

The “hooks” on the spring compressor I rented from Autozone we’re pretty bulky, and will only fit on about the middle third of the spring. To get the springs and shocks to fit up in the lotocones I had to compress, tie down with zip ties, take the spring compressors off, then fit them on and snip the zip ties. Might be worth a try though.

[rgh0]

I would not fit the rotoflex couplings until the body if on unless your going to leave the rear suspension compressed. The high couple deflection angle for the time it takes for the rest of the car to be completed risks causing cracking and shortening the rotoflexes life

cheers
Rohan

[Tmac897]

That makes sense. Guess that’s why there’s not much discussion about it on this board. Thanks for your help.

[StressCraxx]

Another way is to string multiple hose clamps through the springs to compress them so the wishbones are level.

Have yo tried this in the past? Concerned that hose clamps might not support that much force.

Yes. I used 4 per spring. Stock springs are only 78#/inch IIRC. I also used them to change dampers with the body on the car.

[reb53]

I would not fit the rotoflex couplings until the body if on unless your going to leave the rear suspension compressed. The high couple deflection angle for the time it takes for the rest of the car to be completed risks causing cracking and shortening the rotoflexes life

cheers
Rohan

And I suspect it wouldn't do the wheel bearings a lot of good also.
My car was left up on jacks for a few months at a panel beaters whilst I sorted out the insurance/parts after a minor fender bender.
Interestingly, once back on the road, both rear sides had their bearings fail.
Within weeks of each other, and, ( as I keep good records), both well before their time.

Ralph.

[JimE]

And for the future, to accurately check the condition of the doughnuts the car should be jacked up so that the doughnuts are in the fuly drooped position to reveal any cracks. I checked mine on my +2 and Sprint only yesterday as part of my annual self MoT check. Jim

[vincereynard]

And I suspect it wouldn't do the wheel bearings a lot of good also.
Ralph.

I think you are probably spot on!
I read "somewhere" that one of the main reasons that Elans have limited rear wheel bearing life is the bearings are subject to a considerable side force created by the DoNuts.

Have you considered installing CV's whilst it is easy?

[Tmac897]

Have you considered installing CV's whilst it is easy?

I have considered it, but not in the budget at this time.

Best,
Tony

[alan.barker]

Hi Tony,
i suggest as Rohan to install Rotoflex/Doughnuts when car is complet.
Alan

[Tmac897]

Hi Tony,
i suggest as Rohan to install Rotoflex/Doughnuts when car is complet.
Alan

Yep, that’s the new plan!

Tony