worn/damaged bush found

[esprit22]

Saw this when car was up on a ramp being mot'd the other day, looks like a bush on the gear linkage that is damaged, gear change is fine, is this a problem? 

 

[drdoom]

Probably not a critical fail point in the near term, though likely to degrade connecting bits if left in this state over time. Note misalignment of the through bolt is already evident, therefore asymmetry in the remaining bush material which is temporarily containing a measure of slop. When the remainder is jettisoned then what?

[C43]

the gear change will improve if you change it (along with all others that will be in a similar state.

[esprit22]

Is number 23 the culprit?

 

[drdoom]

Looks about right, check the online vendors' for parts listings. SJ's website is very useful.

Cheers

[ekwan]

Trash and buy the kit from SJ's

[esprit22]

Kit?

[ekwan]

On 18/05/2019 at 16:42, esprit22 said:

Kit?

Sorry, I meant to to say buy them as a set from SJ's. My mind was a million miles away when I typed this. 😣

[esprit22]

Hmm, just noticed that the pivot pins (22 on diagram) are both shown as being fitted on the same side, where mine are fitted either side, which is correct I wonder..

Have any of you guys replaced any bits on this before? dunno if best to order all the bits in diagram or just bushes

Edited May 20, 2019 by esprit22
more info

[drdoom]

Well, the pins are very smoothly finished to start, for the sake of bushes' longevity. If your pins have long been in service they are likely corroded, pitted on the surface which will diminish the lifespan of subsequent bushes. Wise owner does not skimp on Lotus maintenance, particularly when it's a matter of small change parts.

Cheers 

[esprit22]

Yep, reckon you speak with un-forked tongue my friend, will change the lot.

[ekwan]

Minimum you'll need is 3 sets of parts no 23 & 24 which is the following from SJ Sportscars

You may also need part no. 40 if it's worn or sloppy. If not, just dismantle and re-grease. But for just a mere £5, it's probably false economy not to order that at the same time. I believe this is the correct part number for that.

 

Edited May 21, 2019 by ekwan

[DaveyT]

Chris, 

do a search in IGUS bearings. Quite a few pple have upgraded throughtout and/ in specific areas to these and seem happy.

definitely worth doing all of them, and even those under the gearstick arent as difficult as you'd maybe think...just a bit fiddly

have fun 😉

[910Esprit]

Also worth changing the sleeve bolts too (item 22), they will be worn and corroded and are not expensive.

[ekwan]

3 hours ago, DaveyT said:

Chris, 

do a search in IGUS bearings. Quite a few pple have upgraded throughtout and/ in specific areas to these and seem happy.

definitely worth doing all of them, and even those under the gearstick arent as difficult as you'd maybe think...just a bit fiddly

have fun 😉

Do you need any addition honing work?

[Big Vern]

I changed all mine on my 86 s3 using the bushes from SJ as above. It does make a big difference, and mine were no where near as bad as yours
Easy Job

[esprit22]

Thanks for all advice guys, not gonna have time to do before Castle Combe unfortunately, looks to be easier to do from top rather than underneath, did you find that?

Don't think needs honing, as not taken apart yet.

Edited May 21, 2019 by esprit22
more info

[esprit22]

5 hours ago, 910Esprit said:

Also worth changing the sleeve bolts too (item 22), they will be worn and corroded and are not expensive.

These are available as M7 or M8 thread, does it matter which ones?

[910Esprit]

Yes, the one at the back is 7mm the 2 on the relay lever are 8mm!

[esprit22]

11 minutes ago, 910Esprit said:

Yes, the one at the back is 7mm the 2 on the relay lever are 8mm!

No way!

[esprit22]

Everything ordered, grease or silicon on the bushes?

[drdoom]

Chris,

I suspect any sort of grease might be counterproductive, if applied in quantities. The plastic parts are inherently self-lubricating on polished steel pins and I wonder whether smears of grease might retain grime and dust, working into the contact surfaces over time. If anything perhaps barely a film of something on the steel to head off corrosion? Let's hear from the wise men in this group!

I believe Eric's query regarding honing was in relation to substituting the IGUS bearings for the OEM kit. Some here have fitted them with interesting results, including a cautionary point or two.

By the way, still have the Classic & Thoroughbred, ca. 1996, which featured your car amongst other fine examples of Esprit and it's a treat to kibbutz after all these years.

[910Esprit]

3 hours ago, esprit22 said:

No way!

Way! 

[esprit22]

1 hour ago, drdoom said:

Chris,

I suspect any sort of grease might be counterproductive, if applied in quantities. The plastic parts are inherently self-lubricating on polished steel pins and I wonder whether smears of grease might retain grime and dust, working into the contact surfaces over time. If anything perhaps barely a film of something on the steel to head off corrosion? Let's hear from the wise men in this group!

I believe Eric's query regarding honing was in relation to substituting the IGUS bearings for the OEM kit. Some here have fitted them with interesting results, including a cautionary point or two.

By the way, still have the Classic & Thoroughbred, ca. 1996, which featured your car amongst other fine examples of Esprit and it's a treat to kibbutz after all these years.

Ah yes, I remember it well. Some tall fella asked me if he could drive my car around the track, I was a tad bothered so said that he could but to take it easy as it was a 'proper car'. He was in fact Tony Dron.

[ekwan]

The original bushings work well enough if they are not damaged.  I just replaced all 3 sets on my S3 plus the centre pivot bush. If you aren't racing and the car is a leisure / weekender vehicle, I'd stick to original parts. They are cheap enough to replace, easy to replace and will last for quite a few years.