Elan axel vs. Impulse axle

[Quanta]

My inner & outer CV boots are shot. It would be great if Isuzu Impulse axles fit the Elan, but I'm not clear on if they do or not. Does anyone have a definitive answer of if only Lotus axles fit, does anyone know the best source in the States? Or is there also a source for replacement inner/outer CV boots in the States as well? How many miles are axles good for anyway? Thanks!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The axles are not the same. The boots are a non event in the US as they are the same as those used in the Ford and Subaru. Take yor axle to a competant rebuilder and they will know what to use. If the boots are bad, the axles need to be cleaned, checked, regreased and reassembled. Not exactly a DIY task. You don't want to reassemble damaged or worn out parts.

[Quanta]

The axles are not the same. The boots are a non event in the US as they are the same as those used in the Ford and Subaru. Take yor axle to a competant rebuilder and they will know what to use. If the boots are bad, the axles need to be cleaned, checked, regreased and reassembled. Not exactly a DIY task. You don't want to reassemble damaged or worn out parts.

Thanks for a solid answer quickly delivered! What model/year of Ford or Subaru boots should I look for? What's the best way to determine if the axles are beyond repair? I do not hear ticks while driving. Is there a good source for Élan axles in the US?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The axles are not the same. The boots are a non event in the US as they are the same as those used in the Ford and Subaru. Take yor axle to a competant rebuilder and they will know what to use. If the boots are bad, the axles need to be cleaned, checked, regreased and reassembled. Not exactly a DIY task. You don't want to reassemble damaged or worn out parts.

Thanks for a solid answer quickly delivered! What model/year of Ford or Subaru boots should I look for? What's the best way to determine if the axles are beyond repair? I do not hear ticks while driving. Is there a good source for Élan axles in the US?

Sorry, I forget which is which. That is why I said to take them to a rebuilder. Replacing the boots correctly requires disassembly and you can do more harm than good. In NC, they charge $70.00 for an axle rebuild. Axles are now obsolete, so you will need to get your axles rebuilt.

Update your profile so we know where you are. There are sources in the US, but a West Coast trim shop won't be much help to someone in NJ. People on the East Coast use Axles Unlimited in Charlotte to rebuild their axles. They also provide a racing upgrade for the joints if you intend to terrorize your ride.

[DeanG]

Is there a source for the axle nut?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Dean: I haven't looked, but when I asked the Axle shop (last year), they said it was a common part. I believe Steve M. said his competition rebuilds came with new nuts and circlips. Try giving him a PM.

[racerstev]

Just a note, the inner boots are the same as a Impulse or DOHC Geo Storm, the outers are the problem.
I was able to make a Dorman product work but the quality wasn't very good. If you are handy the CV's really
arn't that hard to clean and repack..

Steve

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Just a note, the inner boots are the same as a Impulse or DOHC Geo Storm, the outers are the problem.
I was able to make a Dorman product work but the quality wasn't very good. If you are handy the CV's really
arn't that hard to clean and repack..

Steve

I had a few spare axles rebuilt and the shop I use told me they are common, everyday boots from the Ford and Subaru. When I got them back, they were very nice, heavy duty boots. Steve M also said he liked the boots they supplied for his rebuilds. I asked about the expander boots and they just laughed saying they are way too thin to last and they stretch while you are driving. I think they offered me boots for around $16.00 each including a grease pack and the retaining clamps - either the original sardine-can type or the newer pinch lock type.

They do require disassembly to replace them and it is really a good idea to clean, examine and re-grease each bearing assembly. The snap rings should also be replaced.

[ccb056]

Just a note, the inner boots are the same as a Impulse or DOHC Geo Storm, the outers are the problem.
I was able to make a Dorman product work but the quality wasn't very good. If you are handy the CV's really
arn't that hard to clean and repack..

Steve

A few weeks ago our outer boot ripped on the driver's side. Replaced with one from a Ford Escort picked up at O'Reilly's and was a perfect fit.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Then that makes the inner boot one from a Subaru, a wagon I believe I remember.

[racerstev]

By chance do you have a part number for that Escort boot?

The inners I got from Rock were a real nice product. The tryed on the outer twice
and couldn't get it right.

Steve

[ccb056]

Looking at O'Reilly's site they have quite a few. My local store only had 1 in stock.

Dorman OE Solutions - CV Boot
Part Number: 614-001
Line: DOR
Limited Lifetime Warranty
UPC: 19495615170
Uni-Fit C.V. Joint Boot Kit Outer up to 3.58 In. Diameter
Front Outer
Uni-Fit

[racerstev]

All the Dorman stuff seemed real thin...

Do you know what year Escort you got yours from?

Steve

[ccb056]

1991 Escort

[Carpelignum]

Just had mine rebuilt at Axel's unlimited almost while I waited. $100/axel. Not bad for lotus parts. Don't forget to note camber adjustment washer position when disassembling. This is where an iPhone comes in handy. The after picture should look like the before picture only cleaner.
Cheers