Lotus Elan+2 Fitting Polyurethane Bushes

Fitting polyurethane bushes tp the rear wishbones of an Elan +2 130/5
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[@ToonvanDriel-rq6mm]

I turned 1mm off the inside faces of the chassis side bush top hats. As a result each bush sits 1 mm deeper in the trunnions, which gives a bit more rotation freedom. Turning the hub side bushes the other way around is a nice thought, didn’t think about that yet. I don’t like the idea of having to machine the hubs in order to mount the bushes as suggested by the bush supplier.

[@ianj3663]

Interesting! I thought about machining the bushes but decided it would be too difficult to do accurately as the polyurethane is 'soft' and must be difficult to get a clean cut. I too didn't want to machine the uprights.

[@ToonvanDriel-rq6mm]

@@ianj3663 turning is very straightforward, you simply shouldn’t be shy and make a decent cut with a sharp chisel

[@olivernaylor4290]

I was watching, and thanks for the shout out 💪🏼👍🏻

[@ianj3663]

No problem 👍

[@steveporritt1550]

Interesting! I always assumed polybushes were just a stiffer (and more garish colour) of ordinary bushes but it appears they operate more like a bearing? Are they stiffer, I wouldn't think so from the video? The thought of having to regrease would put me off & I thing I'll replace mine with standard bushes, assuming they are as good as the originals. One tip I would give is give everything a good power-wash first, having dust drop in your eyes whilst under the car is one of my biggest gripes & wearing goggles as an alternative is a pain, they either fog up or you knock them & as you know there is not much space to work on an Elan.

[@ianj3663]

Yes they act like bearings. The 'stiffness' question is interesting. The polybushes put up little rotational resistance. They do provide sum by the friction between the flanged ends and suspension components. The original metalstic bushes on the other hand are captive and don't rotate. The rubber in the bush is distorted by twisting as the suspension components move. Rubber acts like a rising rate spring ie it get stiffer the more its compressed. Therefore I assume that polybushes are less 'stiff' than the original set-up.

[@mrnovalueinthemarket6315]

Never liked poly bushes on the elan. The fronts I even made different s/s tubes as they really don’t fit well. After buying a complete set many year s ago the only ones I used were the rear inners, the rest were terrible. Cheers Mark

[@ianj3663]

I'm inclined to agree. These polybushes don't seem great. I'm concerned that there will wear over time with use and the suspension will become slopy I'm considering sticking with the standard metalastic bushing for the front.

[@brianwilson245]

Washers!!!!?, I'd be inclined to get bushes that actually fitted

[@Andrew-vx2ls]

Never an easy task and this is a sensitive way to put in the bushes without damaging the wishbone. Having just checked my Elan WSM (not +2), The Elan WSM says "Note that the bolts are fitted with their heads towards each other (i.e. from the inner faces)." Perhaps double check this point for the +2?

[@ianj3663]

Thanks for that. I'll check

[@georgekerr265]

@@ianj3663 Ian, there is no issue with fitting the bolts either way on a plus 2 because there is plenty clearance between the suspension mounts and the body shell. On the baby Elan the bolt heads must face one another or you will have to cut off the bolt heads to remove them. Whoever assembled my suspension before the body shell was fitted didn’t do this and I’ll have to cut the heads off the bolts on mine.

[@sidloose9465]

Just get a press and do the job properly for christ's sake!

[@ianj3663]

How big a press should I get for christ's sake?

[@georgekerr265]

@@ianj3663Some folk just can’t help themselves Ian. 🙄

[@sidloose9465]

@@ianj3663 I managed to pick up a 10 ton press off ebay for £100 a while ago and was able to do all of my bushes and found it invaluable for many other tasks. Admittedly, they seem a bit more expensive now but make the job a real pleasure!