Lotus Esprit Series - General Description; Accident Damage

CHASSIS
Page A4
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The chassis
unit is a prefabricated steel backbone type, linkin
g
the front and rear
suspensions and having a centre box section.
A cross - member is welded to the front of the chassis and this cariies the front suspen -
sion arid steering mountings. At ttie rear of the chassis is a welded steel framework on
which
is mounted the engine and transmission .unit and the rear suspension.
-.
ACCIDENT DAMAGE
Damage to the chassis caused through a collision
can subiect other parts of the chassis
and parts of fhe body to abnormal loads.
This increases the possibility of chassis or
body failure and also incipient failure may be initiated. Incipient failure
is by far
the more dangerous, as
having rio visible effect, the part may be assumed to be in
good conditiori and then fail
in future service.
If ttie car's suspension or steering is damoged, then consideration must be given to
secondary or shock damage. For example, all mountings arid mechanism attachments
should be carefully examined for both rnis
- ali
g
nment and micro - cracks. It is
recommended that a new chassis is fitted if the front suspension fulcrum pins are
badly bent or damaged.
This also opplies to the upper wishbone and/,ar lower links
if these are badly damoged.
lrispect the main unit mounting points thoroughly if the vehicle has been involved in
a collision where the body
sustains severe damage. Look for distortion of the chassis,
broken welds and possible shift of the body on the chassis
mouritinls.
A new chassis must be fitted when the chossis is severely damaged by a broadside
impact or fire. Do not
patch, bend or stretch the chassis to effect a repair as any
high temperatures will only weaken the structure.
-
-
FRONT SUSPENSION FULCRUM PINS
.,
The fulcrum pins are in fact, bolts. New bolts may be fitted, provided that no
excessive damage has been sustained by the chossis
fulcrurn sleeves, upper wishbones
."
or lower links. Whotever repair is carried out on the chcissis must be the responsi -
bility of the repairer. Reference should be mode to section C 'Fmnt Suspension' to
assist
irittie replacemehi of the fulcrum pins.
ESPRIT
Issue 04/78