This video shows you how to replace every component of the rear suspension of a 1997 Lotus Elise Series 1. All parts were purchased from eliseparts.com. Go check them out and let them know Help Me DIY sent you!
I will have another video covering the complete front suspension as well: https://youtu.be/S86Nu_qSvqo
Lotus Elise S1 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8ogZBhXvNyYZvroAyAqPsPFacy-Jm_L5
Here are the parts I purchased and replaced:
Suspension Refresh Package: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/discounted-items/suspension-refresh-package/
S2 Bilstein Upgrade: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/dampers-springs/s1-s2-eliseparts-bilstein-upgrade/
Anti-Roll Bar: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/anti-roll-bars-mounts/stiffer-front-adjustable-anti-roll-bars/
Inboard Toe Link Joint: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/ball-joints-toe-rod-ends/inboard-toe-link-joint-a117d0090s/
Outer Toe Link Joint: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/ball-joints-toe-rod-ends/outer-toe-link-joint-s1-elise-a111d0134f/
Driveshaft Hubnut: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/bushes-bearings/s1-driveshaft-hubnut/
Duralac Green: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/corrosion-inhibitors-lubricant/duralac-green/
Ball Joint Removal Tool: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/ball-joints-toe-rod-ends/ball-joint-removal-tool/
Wishbone Bush Tool: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/steering-br-suspension-1/wishbones-mounts/wishbone-bush-removal-fitting-tool/
Track Rod Removal Tool: https://www.eliseparts.com/shop/induction-intake-system/service-items/service-tools/track-rod-removal-tool/
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I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field.
Help Me DIY assumes no liability for anything you choose to do to your car, before, or after watching one of my videos or utilizing the content from this web site.
All DIY repairs or modifications you perform to your car are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you’ve done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.
Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.
Lastly, please don’t do anything to your car unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.
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You discovered the punch method of aligning the wishbones! My reference is the S2 so the S1 looks to be different, but the flats on the control rod end that goes through the rear lower suspension joint fit into mating flats on the chassis to keep it from turning. Looks like the S1 may not have the flats? The reason the rear caliper is hard to get off is that there's a boss on the hub carrier for the top bolt that proturdes into the caliper slightly. You have to open the caliper a bit to get it off. You got it, but the trick is to keep the boss and caliper from pinching the little dust shield when putting it back together. They're easy to damage.
I did a suspension refresh on my series one last year.
The biggest change came from having a full four-wheel alignment carried out afterwards.
It is like driving a different car, it corners so sweetly now.
Excellent video. Wish this had been available when I did my S2 suspension last year. I still haven’t done the lower wishbone bushings as I couldn’t work out how to do it. But now I know ! Thanks