QUESTION.
Is it possible to remove the steering rack and pinion from my Elan S4?
Can I do this without removing the body or undertaking drastic surgery on the fibreglass?
I.W. - Melbourne
ANSWER.
Yes, it is possible to remove the steering rack without removing the fibreglass body.
To do this safely, you will need to jack up the front of the Elan and place on axle-stands.
The front wheels should be removed to expose the tie-rod ball joints and undo the nyloc lock nuts.
NOTE- The rod end joint is secured to the steering arm on a taper so you will need to use a ball joint splitter/extractor.
Using a cup type ball joint splitter that does not damage the rubber gaiter, carefully remove the tie-rod ball joints from the outer steering arms.
Next, disconnect the steering column from the lower universal joint located at the steering rack pinion
Pull the steering wheel backwards slightly to allow the column spline to disengage from the universal joint.
Next, remove the two U-clamps and horn earth lead that fasten the rack to the chassis forward fixing points.
You should now be able to slide the rack out of the vehicle from the drivers side front wheel arch.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
Is it possible to remove the steering rack and pinion from my Elan S4?
Can I do this without removing the body or undertaking drastic surgery on the fibreglass?
I.W. - Melbourne
ANSWER.
Yes, it is possible to remove the steering rack without removing the fibreglass body.
To do this safely, you will need to jack up the front of the Elan and place on axle-stands.
The front wheels should be removed to expose the tie-rod ball joints and undo the nyloc lock nuts.
NOTE- The rod end joint is secured to the steering arm on a taper so you will need to use a ball joint splitter/extractor.
Using a cup type ball joint splitter that does not damage the rubber gaiter, carefully remove the tie-rod ball joints from the outer steering arms.
Next, disconnect the steering column from the lower universal joint located at the steering rack pinion
Pull the steering wheel backwards slightly to allow the column spline to disengage from the universal joint.
Next, remove the two U-clamps and horn earth lead that fasten the rack to the chassis forward fixing points.
You should now be able to slide the rack out of the vehicle from the drivers side front wheel arch.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
