Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 219

Lotus Service Notes
FJ.4 - DRIVE SHAFTS
Each of the two driveshaft assemblies comprises a steel shaft with a constant velocity joint at each end,
and is used to transmit the drive from each differential output gear to the rear wheel hub. The two driveshaft
assemblies are similar, but on C64 transmissions, the inboard joint of the right hand shaft is supported in an
outrigger bearing bolted to the right hand side of the cylinder block, and uses an integral extended shaft to
reach into the transmission housing. The inboard joints are of a plunging 6-ball double offset design to ac-
commodate driveshaft length variation with suspension travel, whereas the outboard joints are high efficiency
8-ball fixed type.
Replacement outboard joints include the main driveshaft (longer on the RH side), outboard C.V. joint and
gaiter. Replacement inboard joints include the inner C.V. joint and gaiter kit, with the C64 type extended stub
shaft of the RH joint also including the support bearing and mounting bracket.
The joints themselves are packed with grease on initial assembly, and are maintenance free. It is however
vitally important that the protective gaiters are carefully inspected at service intervals, to check for splits, tears
or punctures, since the joint will deteriorate very quickly once contaminated with dirt or water. Damaged gaiters
should be renewed immediately, once the servicibility of the joint has been established.
CAUTION: The outboard C.V. joint gaiter can suffer 'pinch' damage if the joint is subjected to extreme articula-
tion off the car, or during driveshaft removal/refitment.
RH Driveshaft Assembly
Outboard joint
LH Driveshaft Assembly
Outboard joint
Page 14
Main shaft
Main shaft
Inboard joint
Support bearing
Inboard joint
Section FJ
f128
Extension shaft
(C64 only)
f129
Circlip