Lotus Elise Service Notes page 311

D Lotus Service Notes
Section JH
Upper column
HE.1 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The steering system of the Elise comprises a telescopically collapsible upper column assembly, connect-
ing to a rigidly mounted rack and pinion assembly via a universally jointed intermediate shaft. The steering
rack tie rods connect to rearward facing steering arms bolted to the extruded alJoy front hub carriers, with
geometry providing 30% Ackermann effect, and a toe-out on bump characteristic. No power assistance is
provided. The upper column is fixed to the scuttle beam, with the column upper bearing carrier also providing
mountings for the steering lock and column switches. 'Break out' inserts fitted in the column upper mounting
flanges, allow for telescoping of the column in a frontal collision. The steering rack assembly, which provides
2.4 turns from lock to lock at a 15.8:1 ratio, is rigidly mounted inside a chassis transverse extrusion behind the
top wishbone rear pivots.
HE.2 - STEERING WHEEL
The alloy three spoke steering wheel, has a leather trimmed rim and moulded rubber covered spokes,
and is secured to the column via a 36 spline boss. The horn button is mounted in the steering wheel centre pad
which is supported by a collapsible steel spider bolted to the hub of the wheel. The positive feed to the horn
button is supplied via a spring loaded contact housed in the column switch carrier, and a slip ring mounted on
the forward side of the wheel. The earth contact of the button is connected to a terminal on the spider.
To Remove Steering Wheel
1. Pull off the centre trim pad with horn button, and disconnect the two horn leads.
Page 311 1998 / 03