Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Apologies for a non Lotus question...

Can anyone offer any wisdom/thoughts as to why motor manufacturers changed from king/link pin suspension to balljoints

I've got as far as cheaper?to manufacture,less maintenance,but am curious as to whether there were any other reasons-were there inherent problems with king/link?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

Cheers,Peter.

Just a thought Peter but have you ever had the pleasure of freeing off a seized kingpin and fitting and reaming new bushes?

Not yet!!but i might be about to..

i've got the option of using a balljoint front end,or king/link set up..
balljoint set up completely rebuilt new bearings,balljoints etc

linkpin set up rusted/partially seized,but it looks prettier,and theres a clearance issue..linkpin is narrower,which in this case is good-saves a lot of faffing around.

just wondering why the change of design!-my inquisitive brain is forever asking what why how!

Peter

Its all about reducing the part count and ease of close tolerance assembly and reuse of standard components across multiple designs.

A modern ball joint design is cheaper to make and easier to assemble accurately in a car plant and holds its tolerances longer.

Rohan

Moved topic to Free Parking.

[quote="purplepete"] i've got the option of using a balljoint front end,or king/link set up..
balljoint set up completely rebuilt new bearings,balljoints etc quote]

Just as a matter of interest what car/project are you working on............VW ? .......... I cant think what else it would apply to.

Rohan,
Thank you-thats pretty much what I was thinking,tho not quite so eloquently!

Brian,
Yes,its a VW chassis,with a kind of alternative body-hence the clearance issues!

Thank you for answers!

peter.