QUESTION
I have been looking at the Lotus Marques website for a guide to show how to replace the rear wheel bearings on my 1967 Lotus Elan
I am looking for any advice on the above when you have Issue 18 wheel bearing hubs with Rotoflex couplings (and not CV joints)
There does not appear to be anything on the procedure for the above, that I can find.
I have a factory manual and straps to keep the springs compressed, for easy reassembly.
Just wondered whether you have any tips ?
My rear wheel is protruding 1/2 inch out at the bottom, and is obvious just looking at it.
The hub nut is done up tight, so must be a bearing as the tyre is rubbing against the upright, when going around a corner reasonably hard.
D.S. - Henley Beach South, South Australia
ANSWER
Unfortunately at this point in time there is not a specific guide that shows you how to change the rear wheel bearings.
However the first step is to remove the rear suspension upright.
This first involves disconnecting the Rotoflex couplings and there is a description here -
http://www.lotusmarques.com/info/technical/32/314-elan-and-elan-2-rotoflex-coupling-installation-procedure
Removing the rear hub and outboard driveshaft requires a custom puller - DO NOT use a 3 leg commercial unit otherwise you risk breaking the hub.
Lotus Marques employs a specially designed extractor that is hydraulically operated and screws onto the large centre thread.
It is useful to gently warm the hub so it expands and assists removal (a Bosch electric heat gun is ideal for this)
Once the axle has been removed it would be wise to get it crack tested as our experince has shown that the axles are prone to stress cracking.
The outboard driveshaft should be thoroughly cleaned, polished and carefully inspected.
Dummy installing the new components and checking the key engagement and the pre-load step is also essential -
http://www.lotusmarques.com/projects/1161-lotus-elan-2-rear-suspension-strut-rebuild
Don't forget when installing the large inboard bearing, the inner extended race points inwards - into the hub towards the outboard bearing
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques
I have been looking at the Lotus Marques website for a guide to show how to replace the rear wheel bearings on my 1967 Lotus Elan
I am looking for any advice on the above when you have Issue 18 wheel bearing hubs with Rotoflex couplings (and not CV joints)
There does not appear to be anything on the procedure for the above, that I can find.
I have a factory manual and straps to keep the springs compressed, for easy reassembly.
Just wondered whether you have any tips ?
My rear wheel is protruding 1/2 inch out at the bottom, and is obvious just looking at it.
The hub nut is done up tight, so must be a bearing as the tyre is rubbing against the upright, when going around a corner reasonably hard.
D.S. - Henley Beach South, South Australia
ANSWER
Unfortunately at this point in time there is not a specific guide that shows you how to change the rear wheel bearings.
However the first step is to remove the rear suspension upright.
This first involves disconnecting the Rotoflex couplings and there is a description here -
http://www.lotusmarques.com/info/technical/32/314-elan-and-elan-2-rotoflex-coupling-installation-procedure
Removing the rear hub and outboard driveshaft requires a custom puller - DO NOT use a 3 leg commercial unit otherwise you risk breaking the hub.
Lotus Marques employs a specially designed extractor that is hydraulically operated and screws onto the large centre thread.
It is useful to gently warm the hub so it expands and assists removal (a Bosch electric heat gun is ideal for this)
Once the axle has been removed it would be wise to get it crack tested as our experince has shown that the axles are prone to stress cracking.
The outboard driveshaft should be thoroughly cleaned, polished and carefully inspected.
Dummy installing the new components and checking the key engagement and the pre-load step is also essential -
http://www.lotusmarques.com/projects/1161-lotus-elan-2-rear-suspension-strut-rebuild
Don't forget when installing the large inboard bearing, the inner extended race points inwards - into the hub towards the outboard bearing
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques