Replacing the Steering U joint. 1965 Elan S2

[tvacc]

Hi all,
Been years since I have done this. I removed the top and bottom pinch bolt on the universal join and pulled out the bolts as I seem to recall the lower part of the column where the splines are is grooved. But to be honest I have worked on so many Lotus and Caterham cars, I forget at this advanced age. It is a bitch to get old, but the alternative really sucks.....

Anyways. I thought by releasing and removing the two bolts I could pull up the shaft enough to replace it. Nothing is moving. Well I might have got a bit of movement off the shaft that goes into the rack. That seems to backed up a bit.

I could use some advice guys...and as soon as possible. I sold an Elan Sprint for a buddy of mine and I need to move this car as that car I sold will be here on Wed...for me to rebuild the carbs and fix the door before shipment to Texas. Cant move this car without the steering.

[mbell]

You just need to remove the bolts completely from the u joint. If it doesn't come with bolts removed then its stuck and you need to use your favorite persuasion methods.

If the car has a collapsible column loosen the bolts hold the two parts of the clamp together so the column can move up and down.

[tvacc]

Where would the part of the collapsible column be? This is and S2 and I don't recall them having collapsible columns.

Anyone know for sure before I start hammering...

Tony

[mbell]

In the plus 2 its in the cabin at the bottom of the column outer. Would expect the same for the elan.

If it's a fix column I'd release the clamps holding the column outer so it could slide away from the joint.

[tvacc]

Yes. I just went ars of teacups and yes, there is a collapsible column. I will have to undo those bolts. Rest should be easy.

Will let you know.


Tony V

[mbell]

I'd loosen the two that hold the clamp together rather than the one that control the collapse rate of the two....

[tvacc]

So I am all done.
Thanks for all the help.

[tvacc]

So I am all done.
Thanks for all the help.