Lotus Elan Central

by **davel** » Mon 29.01.2007, 13:13

Having failed the mot on heavy steering, and read all the posts on this site,I spray greased the lower u/j which seamed to improve the steering , but it returns and feels heavy then light Decided to purchased the part in the cross reference ie land rover uj, this is not the correct part unless you can grind of the extension piece. The pinch bolt is welded to the u/j and difficult access
Has any one carried out this job and offer any advice

by **Monty** » Tue 30.01.2007, 16:32

I`m sure i remember someone had the same problem and purchased the Landy UJ and IIRC worked fine

Be good to know for sure as i`ll be doing this myself in the summer.

I`m supprised it`s failed it`s MOT, as i thought it could only feel if there`s to much play ie in the rack and track rod ends.

by **davel** » Tue 30.01.2007, 16:53

I give in, spent all day trying ,where`s the yellow pages -garage services

by **lotuska** » Tue 30.01.2007, 18:34

I can confirm that the lower uj is a land rover part.

Part Number NRC7704 Range Rover Steering UJ from 1983 to 1994. This will also fit all Discovery up to 1994. Early Defender.

From memory...there is a short shaft that connects to the lower part of the steering column.

Should cost around £12.

Hope that helps.

by **AndyH** » Wed 07.02.2007, 12:38

I ordered that very same part for my car to cure stiff steering. I gave the u/j and the car to my local garage for them to fit it and they said that it was the wrong part - something to do with one end being welded and not a clamp or something. I have ordered the Lotus part from Paul Matty's at colossal expense instead as I need the problem fixing but I know I have heard that the Land Rover part has been ok for some people... so what the flinkin' blip is going on?

by **dans** » Wed 07.02.2007, 13:21

Got the same part myself but haven't tried it yet. I'm hoping to have a go this weekend. Will lrt you know how I get on. Be good to know if anyone else has any info?

dan

by **lotuska** » Wed 07.02.2007, 18:56

There are 2 uj's on the steering column, one is welded onto the end of the steering column, and is then connected via a short rod to the second one that connects to the steering rack itself.

The first one is inside the car and less likely to get damaged due to water grit etc, where as the second is more exposed. You have to work a lot harder to even see the second one.

A picture from the manual should help....

by **dans** » Thu 08.02.2007, 08:52

Was looking for that page last night!!!
That makes sense,

Davel, did this part fix your problem?

Cheers,
Dan

by **davel** » Mon 19.02.2007, 10:24

I apologise for my previous remarks I was wrong
Having now read the manual The lower u/j is correct (a land rover part £17 inc vat/delivery), and as shown in the manual, just below the welded u/j. However I did not require the new part
I removed the grommet and plastic shroud which gives access to the lower u/j, sprayed with grease , repeating in 3 orientations , gradually the stearing lost its stiffness and is now probably lighter than before

Thanks for the advice

by **dans** » Mon 26.02.2007, 17:55

davel wrote:I removed the grommet and plastic shroud which gives access to the lower u/j, sprayed with grease , repeating in 3 orientations , gradually the stearing lost its stiffness and is now probably lighter than before

Davel, or anyone else.
I might be being stupid here but how DO you get access to the lower U/J? Is it by going down through the cockpit above the pedals? Or is it from under the car?

The more I read the manual, the more confused I get about the steering!!! :oops:

Cheers,
Dan

by **gmacz** » Tue 27.02.2007, 23:21

However I did not require the new part
I removed the grommet and plastic shroud which gives access to the lower u/j, sprayed with grease , repeating in 3 orientations , gradually the stearing lost its stiffness and is now probably lighter than before .

It is a sealed unit and when it goes stiff,it is usually a sign that it needs changed.Grease/WD40 does work but it is only a temp fix.The good thing is that the spray grease has diagnosed the problem 100%. Yours Gmacz

by **davel** » Thu 01.03.2007, 22:13

Dans

You will have to get your head and arms down near the pedals, there are 2 u/j very close together, one is inside the car, the other below a rubber grommet and black plastic shroud secured with 4 -7mm screws, remove the screws and pull back the shroud as far as possible, wd40 did not have much effect but over about 7 days the spray grease worked

The sealed unit u/j means it is not serviceable or you cannot take it apart The spray seal certainly worked and the stearing is now lighter than ever

by **dans** » Fri 02.03.2007, 14:59

Thanks Dave, will have another look tonight.
I'm guessing the one below the shroud is the one pcitured above that is replaceable with the Land Rover joint?

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