Does anyone have drawings of the tools used to remove & install the inner & outer bushings. I have ones for the fronts but not for the rear. I have looked on here & can’t find any drawings & I contacted Brian Buckland but haven’t had a reply.
Captain Col
And if you do not have a handy hydraulic press you can use a good strong threaded rod
See topic:
viewtopic.php?t=28632&p=189898
The tool I made when I had a lathe is described in that topic from this point :
viewtopic.php?t=28632&f=36&start=0#p189898
You don’t really need drawings to make such tools, just use a micrometer or digital caliper to measure the relevant diameters and length of a bush. Just remember the part you PUSH is the outside steel cylinder of the bush, not the inner cylinder (that would just tear/split the flexible part)
Most people just find the right sized pusher in their socket spanner set.
It is not that difficult to machine special press mandrels in order to remove/replace suspension arm bushes…front or rear. Having the proper tools means more control during the process, it just makes a DIY job more professional.
elantrikbits.com/lotus-elan-blog … rm-bushes/
CJ
I agree having the proper tools makes the job easier that’s why I was looking for some dimensional drawings for the rear bushing tools. As I said earlier I have ones for the front suspension but not for the rear. I don’t have a lathe so would need to get a machine shop to produce them. The ones I have for the front have a pin that goes through the centre of the bush which really helps to align everything.
Everyone has heard “a bad workman blames his tools” but during my working life a colleague said to me “good tools turn a chore into a pleasure”
Richard Hawkins
Yes, it will make the job easier with drawings, but the data to make that special tool required for almost anything on the elan can be taken from what ever component/assembly you wish to remove/install. Over the many decades of elan ownership I now have a workshop tool trolley drawer chokers full of special custom made tools (See pic below) for working on the elan, and all made in house. They would not have happened without having a lathe and associated tooling. A well equipped workshop will repay its establishment cost dozens of times over, and is pretty much an essential thing to have if long term ownership and enjoyment of classic cars is your bag.
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