Driveshaft question (ex Stripeless Stripey -- Zizi)

[flynn23]

Howdy. Where did you get those drive shafts? I need to replace both of mine and haven't been able to find any cross reference for parts. Not really wanting to go have some custom machined, since I value both arms and legs.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The LH drive shaft (C100R0001F) is available for GBP99.00 + VAT from Lotus Aftersales. The Aftersales list is here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21104#p267419.

If you need the outer joint for the other side, you can always buy two left sides and use the outer joint for your old axle. You can also use the actual bearing for the LH inner joint on the RH shaft, just not the actual joint as it is different.

I don't know where you are as it isn't in your profile, but you should be able to get the original drive shafts rebuilt for less than that. If you are in the US, I can refer you to a shop in North Carolina that does a good job.

[flynn23]

Thanks for the quick reply! And holy mackerel! An exploded parts catalog! I've been looking for this since purchasing the car in 2005.

I'm keen on replacing the whole drive shaft assembly, as the boots split and all the lube has been long gone on both sides. I'm assuming only the LH is available because the RH is out of stock. The RH is the one that actually failed. I'm in Nashville, TN, so there are plenty of places that can help rebuild, but I'd like to give them ready part numbers or cross referenced parts, to keep the job simple and quick. Otherwise I get a bill for someone who calls the UK for 2 hours and gets nothing.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Thanks for the quick reply! And holy mackerel! An exploded parts catalog! I've been looking for this since purchasing the car in 2005.

I'm keen on replacing the whole drive shaft assembly, as the boots split and all the lube has been long gone on both sides. I'm assuming only the LH is available because the RH is out of stock. The RH is the one that actually failed. I'm in Nashville, TN, so there are plenty of places that can help rebuild, but I'd like to give them ready part numbers or cross referenced parts, to keep the job simple and quick. Otherwise I get a bill for someone who calls the UK for 2 hours and gets nothing.

The RH is NLS. Both were on the list back in 2011 but the RH sold out.

The bearings are all that usually go bad when the grease goes away and they are readily available in the US: Inner bearing assembly is the same as a Subaru Wagon and the outer is the same as a Ford Escort. Axles Unlimited didn't need any assistance, they took one look and identified the parts straight away. They clean and check EVERYTHING, then they repaint and put on heavvy duty boots.

Axles Unlimited in Charlotte, NC will happily rebuild them. The last person that sent theirs to them said they charged $100.00 per axle and had them done while waiting. When I had mine done, it was less $$$ and they were ready for collection the next morning. They also have a Heavy Duty bearing set for the asxles if you want the strongest axle ever - see Steve Matthews for a referal. You should be able to find a usable box for shipping from your local AutoZone or AdvanceAuto. If you end up needing anything beside the bearings and snap rings, I might have an extra used axle to rob parts from.

You can download the full set of factory service manuals from http://www.lotuselanm100usa.info/manuals or from the maunals link at the top of the LEC page. Mine do not have the Do Not Copy watermark which makes the LEC ones hard to read.

[flynn23]

Thanks for all of this. Very much appreciated. I'll order two and see what some local shops can come up with. Worst case, I've got a back up in Charlotte that I know can save me.

Cheers!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

You do realize they are $200.00 each before shipping to the US?

[flynn23]

yep. But I am used to this. The things we do for love.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Why not get them profesionally rebuilt for less than $200.00???? The NEW driveshafts from Lotus are at least 15 years old and the grease in them could easily be compromised and the rubber boots more fragile.

I know it is YOUR money, but I really don't understand why you would waste it.

[flynn23]

Well, you've made me reconsider. I had wanted the OEM parts because then the only step left after receiving them is to install them. That tends to be enough motivation for me to crawl under the vehicle and start wrenching. But you make a good case for the rebuild, especially now that I know where I can source some replacement parts. I just have to tear out the old assembly and bring it to a shop and find the motivation to take that first step.

At this point, I'm hoping Ekapol posts some more pictures to keep this thread on track.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I agree. SORRY Ekapol for hijacking your thread.

[GeoffSmith]

I agree. SORRY Ekapol for hijacking your thread.

You WILL be!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Thank you Geoff.

[flynn23]

John, I meant to tell you that one of the manuals you linked to is essentially an empty file.

http://www.lotuselanm100usa.info/manual ... ual_v6.pdf appears to have nothing but blank pages in it. I bet it's riveting still.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

John, I meant to tell you that one of the manuals you linked to is essentially an empty file.

http://www.lotuselanm100usa.info/manual ... ual_v6.pdf appears to have nothing but blank pages in it. I bet it's riveting still.

Sorry. the closed loop manual is a big file. I am uploading it again right now.

[flynn23]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll check it out tonight.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The Closed Loop Manual is very big so it takes a while to open. The LEC shell doesn't provide much bandwidth so it is better if you use the following option:

It would be better if you download it rather than open it. To get to the entire list of manuals and documents go to http://www.lotuselanm100usa.info/manuals

You will see a list of manuals available to look at by clicking on the name or you can download it for local use. Right click on the file name and select "save target as" which will download it to your computer.