|
|
Lotus Service Notes Section HG Page 10 Provision is made for the adjustment of front wheel alignment at the joint between the steering rack track (tie) rods, and the outer ball joints ('track rod ends'). The required ride height and alignment specification is detailed in sub-section CI.2. Note that in order to preserve the required bump steer characteristic and steering symmetry, the effective length of each track rod must remain equal - adjust each track rod by a similar amount: - Hold the track rod end using the flats provided, and slacken the locknut. Repeat for the opposite side. - Turn each track rod a similar amount. As a guide, turning both track rods by one quarter of a turn will alter overall toe-out by approx. 2.0 mm. - When adjustment is correct, hold each track rod end and tighten the locknuts to 45 Nm (33 lbf.ft). When slackening or tightening the track rod end locknuts, it is important that the torque reaction is resisted using the track rod end flats, and that the ball joint itself is not allowed to be stressed. Track Rod Ends The track rod ends are sealed for life and maintenance free, but if replacement is required; remove the ball pin nut and use a ball joint splitter tool to separate the joint from the steering arm. Unscrew the joint from the track rod. On re-assembly, tighten the ball joint to steering arm nut to 30 Nm, and set the front wheel align- ment as detailed in sub-section CI.2. Steering Rack Gaiters The convoluted gaiters sealing each end of the steering rack housing to the track rods, should be inspected at service intervals and replaced immediately if found to be torn, cracked or otherwise damaged. The ingress of dirt or water into the rack housing will cause rapid deterioration of the track rod inner ball joints and rack and pinion mechanism. To replace a gaiter, remove the track rod end (see above), release the gaiter clips, and slide the gaiter off the housing and track rod. Check for consequent damage or wear and replace the steering gear assembly if necessary. Fit the new gaiter into position, and secure with new retaining clips. HG.6 - RACK & PINION ASSEMBlY REMOVAl/REPlACEMENT The rack and pinion assembly is mounted inside an extruded chassis box section crossmember at the top front of the footwell. Each of the two rack housing mounting plinths uses an M10 (upper) and M8 (lower) fixing bolt to secure the housing to the vertical rear face of the crossmember. A steel reinforcement channel is bonded to the outside of the crossmember, with a riveted height setting plate to define the vertical position of the housing. Note that the only approved repairs or adjustments to the steering rack assembly are the replacement of the track rod ends and rack housing gaiters, and the adjustment of the rack pressure pad.
Gaiter
Track rod end flats Steering arm
Steering track rod flats
Track rod end locknut
c28a |