What a difference...

[Andy B]

... 2 new bushings make in the rear A frame.
Trouble is you can't really tell they are worn without removing them.
When I first got the car I noticed a little clicking noise from the rear end. I bought the bushings as I had read they require replacing on a regular basis but was unable to to get any movement so figured they were OK.
One day I was not able to think of an excuse to drive the car, I had washed it, polished the aluminum, checked all the levels but did not want to close the garage door and walk away. The only thing I could think of doing was replacing the bushings and a good job too. The photo is not the best but you can probably detect their swollen state (yes diff work would appear to be next)
and both have a large lump of rubber missing.
It has made a big difference when the car is launched, silence is golden except a Seven is anything but silent.

Now who was it said they had a spare rear axle?
http://www.pbase.com/sarrana/image/101098681.jpg

[WayneB]

They look knackered to me Andy!:(

Lotuses are very sensative to any undesigned in complance or geometry changes caused by shot metalastic bushings.

Most owners never seem to notice until someone who is not used to their car drives it.

Alignment is also critical, I do the Sevens with 4 jackstands , a ball of thread and a tape measure (like a Formula Ford):)

[Andy B]

They look knackered to me Andy!:(
Alignment is also critical, I do the Sevens with 4 jackstands , a ball of thread and a tape measure (like a Formula Ford):)

Yes good point and something I have to do soon.
Although tire wear seems good (only 4000 miles on new set), it might just be an optical illusion but the car looks to have toe out.
Question, what should the toe setting be?:steeringwheel:

[WayneB]

I haven't got my Seven shop manual/notes here to check, but I recollect a toe in of O.0625"(1.5mm) on a road car and zero on the racers.

[Andy B]

Thanks Wayne, as I say it might just be an illusion after all there are not too many road vehicles where the entire inner wheel can be viewed from a standing position. Also the left front seems to carry more neg camber than the right.
Probably I should collect all the specs and take it too a good front end shop just to be sure.

And yes the front plate is low but it's a good audio warning, when I hear it scrape I know I only have 1/2" before the sump makes contact:nono:

http://www.pbase.com/sarrana/image/101125790.jpg