How much to sort headlight alignment?
Discussion
My Series 1 Elise is currently at the MOT station. It failed last month on emissions and I was given advisories for a coolant leak and slight play in the track rod ends. I have not had much chance to do the work so I have not had chance to do the works in time for a free re-test. I have replaced the coolant expansion reservoir which had a crack in a moulding line and replaced the catalytic converter.
They have just rang me and told me it has failed on two things; a side light lamp needs replacing and the headlights are aimed too high.
I have queried why this was not picked up at the last test. I also mentioned I have not done the track rod ends yet to subtly ask 'Why have you picked up on some but missed other items which were clearly inherent at the test just over a month ago?'.
I have asked them to come back to me with a cost for them to adjust it (I don't have a flat drive so adjusting them myself at home will be difficult). I have never looked at adjustment before - how long should it take at the garage?
They have just rang me and told me it has failed on two things; a side light lamp needs replacing and the headlights are aimed too high.
I have queried why this was not picked up at the last test. I also mentioned I have not done the track rod ends yet to subtly ask 'Why have you picked up on some but missed other items which were clearly inherent at the test just over a month ago?'.
I have asked them to come back to me with a cost for them to adjust it (I don't have a flat drive so adjusting them myself at home will be difficult). I have never looked at adjustment before - how long should it take at the garage?
just wind them back down again yourself. Take a trip into an area that you can shine on a wall. As long as you know what to do I would do it myself as I have done a number of times. The test machine they use is probably in use for about 10 minutes but who knows what you will be charged for. Sounds like they are not that friendly.
I believe they're adjusted with the wing nuts on the bracket, shouldn't take them long at all.
However the brackets are prone to rusting out, if this has happened then they'll need to strip them out and bond new ones to the clamshell. Eliseparts sell some improved ones which as less prone to rusting which I had fitted to mine a couple years back after a stone smashed a headlight and the bracket split.
However the brackets are prone to rusting out, if this has happened then they'll need to strip them out and bond new ones to the clamshell. Eliseparts sell some improved ones which as less prone to rusting which I had fitted to mine a couple years back after a stone smashed a headlight and the bracket split.
Adjusting the lights on an S1 is just a case of turning a couple of adjusters but .....
The S1 adjusters are an absolute pig to get at and the job takes quiet a while so it's no wonder they weren't happy to do it (but fair play to them for doing it).
This is one thing that Lotus did sort out with the S2 and it's a much easier job on that.
The S1 adjusters are an absolute pig to get at and the job takes quiet a while so it's no wonder they weren't happy to do it (but fair play to them for doing it).
This is one thing that Lotus did sort out with the S2 and it's a much easier job on that.
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff