Lotus Elise Service Notes page 319

D Lotus Service Notes Section JH
5. On re-assembly, feed the rack assembly into the chassis crossmember and engage the pinion shaft into
the lower u/j with the match marks aligned. If a new assembly is being fitted, follow the 'Steering Wheel
Alignment
1
procedure in sub-section HE.2.
6. New fixing bolts for the steering rack housing are precoated with thread locking compound. If existing
bolts are to be re-used, wire brush the threads before re-applying a suitable thread locking compound and
torque tightening the M8 bolts to 22.5 Nm, and the M10 bolts to 45 Nm.
7. Fit the lower u/j pinch bolt, and tighten to 35 Nm.
8. Fit the track rod ends into the steering arms, and tighten the nuts to 30 Nm.
9. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment as detailed in sub-section CG.2.
HE.7 - ADJUSTMENT OF RACK BAR THRUST PAD
A thrust pad backed by a pair of belleville washers, is used to control the preload between the rack bar
teeth and the pinion gear, and is adjustable via a theaded backstop plug. The correct preload allows the
horizontally mounted rack bar (column disconnected) to be pulled through its full travel by a steady force of 12
to 16 Ibf. (50 - 70 N). The rack and pinion assembly must be removed from the chassis before any adjustment
may be carried out.
To adjust the thrust pad, release the locknut (36mm socket) and use a 5.5mm hexagonal bit to adjust the
backstop as required before tightening the locknut. For an approximate initial setting, screw in the backstop
plug until solid, then back off V f e turn.
Page 319 1998 / 03