Lotus Elise S1 Service Notes page 312

I Lotus Service Notes
Section JH
To allow access for a steering wheel
puller tool, it is necessary first to remove
the column shroud:
Release the four screws securing the
shroud upper section, turning the steer-
ing wheel as necessary to permit access.
Pull out the grommet from around the
ignition switch, and remove the three
screws securing the lower shroud to the
column.
If necessary, disconnect or remove the
trip/panel lights control button and im-
mobiliser socket from the lower shroud.
Column upper
shroud
Shroud
mounting
bracket
rhgsa
Column lower
shroud
3. Remove the nut securing the steering wheel boss to the column. Match mark the boss and column to
enable alignment to be maintained on re-assembly.
4. Use a suitable steering wheel puller tool to locate behind the steering wheel boss and bear against the
end of the column.
CAUTION: If excessive force is applied to either the wheel or column without an appropriate
puller, the telescoping mechanism of the outer column may be overridden, necessitating c o l u m n
replacement.
5. If necessary, unclip the slip ring from the steering wheel boss and withdraw with the horn lead. Withdraw
the column bearing preload spring.
6. To refit the steering wheel, reverse the above procedure with the following notes:
Clip the horn slip ring to the steering wheel boss with the turn indicator cancelling vane on the left hand
side.
Ensure that the column bearing preload spring is fitted over the inner column before fitting the wheel with
the match marks aligned. If re-alignment is necessary, see later.
Torque tighten the steering wheel to column nut to 25 Nm.
Steering Wheel Alignment
Ideally, the steering wheel should align in the straight running position, with the steering rack centralised
and with equal track rod lengths. In practice, some compromise to track rod lengths may have to be made. To
arrive at the optimum setting, proceed as follows:
Note that the only two splined joints in the steering system which allow a choice of position are the lower
u/j to rack pinion shaft, and the steering wheel to column.
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