QUESTION
Do you happen to know if the upper wishbones are the same?
I note the part numbers are different. I have put one on and it has dawned on me there may be a left and right.
Any thoughts?
If they are asymmetrical, how do I determine which one goes where?
R.P. - Melbourne
ANSWER
To the best of my knowledge the upper control arms are handed but there does not appear to be any differentiating features.
As you mention, the Lotus part numbers are different for left hand and right hand control arms.
Being able to measure the asymmetrical offset is very difficult as its going to be in the range of 1mm to 2mm.
The only way to know which way round to install the control arms correctly, can only be determined on an optical alignment bench.
Depending which way round the control arm is installed, it is going to affect the caster angle.
You will need sensitive equipment to do this as the caster angle is typically 1.5 to 2.5 degrees.
It is necessary to check the Lotus Service manual to obtain the design specification and allowable tolerance.
Whilst carrying out these measurements, its desirable to carry out a front end alignment with the suspension at the normal ride height.
Once this has been achieved then the bump-steer should be checked.
Be aware on Lotus Esprit series 1 and 2, the steering rack tie-rod makes mechanical contact with the anti-roll bar as the suspension moves towards full droop.
This is normal and is an inherant design "feature"
Copyright © 2016 Lotus Marques
Do you happen to know if the upper wishbones are the same?
I note the part numbers are different. I have put one on and it has dawned on me there may be a left and right.
Any thoughts?
If they are asymmetrical, how do I determine which one goes where?
R.P. - Melbourne
ANSWER
To the best of my knowledge the upper control arms are handed but there does not appear to be any differentiating features.
As you mention, the Lotus part numbers are different for left hand and right hand control arms.
Being able to measure the asymmetrical offset is very difficult as its going to be in the range of 1mm to 2mm.
The only way to know which way round to install the control arms correctly, can only be determined on an optical alignment bench.
Depending which way round the control arm is installed, it is going to affect the caster angle.
You will need sensitive equipment to do this as the caster angle is typically 1.5 to 2.5 degrees.
It is necessary to check the Lotus Service manual to obtain the design specification and allowable tolerance.
Whilst carrying out these measurements, its desirable to carry out a front end alignment with the suspension at the normal ride height.
Once this has been achieved then the bump-steer should be checked.
Be aware on Lotus Esprit series 1 and 2, the steering rack tie-rod makes mechanical contact with the anti-roll bar as the suspension moves towards full droop.
This is normal and is an inherant design "feature"
Copyright © 2016 Lotus Marques