[DML] Re: Trailing Arm Bolts - Engineering

[malevy@xxxx]

The weight distribution is not the same on the Lotus. The DeLorean's 
weight is behind the rear axle.. Lotus is in front.

Maybe this is why the design of this area on the DeLorean is so 
weak. If the Lotus engineers simply "stole" the design from the 
Eprit to put on the DeLorean but did not account for the difference 
in weight distribution, that could be the reason for this "error".


As for the "new and improved bolts", I am no fastener expert but I do 
know that a bolt that is less likely to bend may be more likely to 
break. While this may have been explained in the messages posted (a 
lot of it was over my head), Id rather have my bolt's bend than break 
unexpectedly. When they first bend, it gives me some time to find 
the defect and replace the bolt. With a harder bolt, I may not have 
any warning that it will break.

I sent copies of the previous messages discussing the bolts to a 
mechanical engineer friend. Hopefully he will explain it all to me 
in English when he has time to read over it.


--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Mike Griese" <mike.griese@xxxx> wrote:
> There have not been any pervasive problems with trailing arm
> attachements on the Esprit. The suspension geometry is
> very similar and uses similar components.