Lotus Elan S4 - Suspension Walkthrough

With the body off the rolling chassis, it’s a good time to have a look at what makes up the suspension of the Elan and has created the now legendary handling package.
Highlights;
- front double wishbones, with an anti roll bar attached to a vertical link on the front damper
- rear single wishbone, with damper integrated in to the bearing housing/rear upright, no anti roll bar, Lotocone top mounts
- non-power assisted steering mounted in forward of the front axle

[@witofthestaircase1]

You’re striking exactly the right note with these and deserving of a much bigger audience. Thank you.

[@mikemccarthy1398]

Great walkthrough ....thanks

[@roryjackson6578]

Great video! Sad that you have to comment in the expectation of people taking issue with what you are saying. Keyboard warriors! Look forward to the next video.

[@melvynwoodman5787]

Toe in adjustment on rear was deliberately not provided as mr chapman said it allowed it to be adjusted wrong. Aftermarket parts available do allow adjustment. The chassis you have is a spydercars space frame (a much better design in many ways in my opinion) not a standard Lotus sheet metal fabricated type. The dainty front uprights are straight off the triumph herald/spitfire range of the era.

[@fastmail55]

The Lotus Elan is an amazing machine. One can really see with the body removed how much this car influenced the Mazda Miata.

[@davidward4329]

Love the lightness of the front suspension. And it’s pure simplicity . Lotus at it’s best

[@frankhoward7645]

Actually, the front hubs and brakes are straight from a Triumph Spitfire.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

2:13 that grease nipple is for the lower trunnion. It's a sort of quick thread, causing the car to tilt very slightly as the steering is turned. If not greased, these can wear heavily and even seize. Partial seizure causes oddly stiff unresponsive steering. Caterham moved over to a similar upright, but with a lower ball joint instead.

[@michaeltb1358]

If you want to see the original chassis check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6OYqqGugrCMi5I

[@michaeltb1358]

Not a good title. That is nothing like the original Lotus Chassis. Just built to fit within the original body. I agree with the other person who commented that adjustment of the rear suspension was just an opportunity to set it wrong.

[@timphoto83ec]

They are NOT hubs. No matter how you spin it.