Wrestling with the rear bearing carrier (bolts are putting up a good fight and one has sheared so far), but have been told to ensure that I use hardened hub spacers. Are those from SJ Sportscars just such things? If not, is there another source in UK? UJ's look in pretty good order, but should I fit new ones while things are apart? All advice gratefully received!
Although this is probably contentious and I'll come across as a real old grouch, IMO it's more important to get the correct sized spacers than "hardened" ones and then put it all together with attention to detail, because that's the important bit. I have heard of folks using spacers from other cars (VW ?) and grinding down to suit but I've yet to see someone actually quoting a hardness value that's essential.
The first time I did the job I replaced the spacers with OEM Lotus ones and jokingly said "how much ? for a bit of mild steel pipe ?" at the time, but despite having to replace the bearings several times over the years, that "mild steel pipe*" still mikes up as spot on the stated length. So my advice would be to check what you get is exactly the size you need and stick to a recognised specialist like Banks, SJS, Paul Matty, etc.
If you're stripping it all down for the first time and it's a restoration rather than just a quick fix, then yes, replace everything. UJs, bearings, roll pins, check the gearbox output shaft for play before it's all in pieces & note any shims already there. I'd even consider the lower link bushes as well although they rarely wear as badly. Assemble everything dry to make sure it goes together smoothly and then use loctite on the splines.
Brian
* actually I don't know if it's mild steel or not
