play in steering
Discussion
Hi all
Been getting used to the rattles of the lotus over the past 4-5 months of ownership, but have got something new that seems to have developed along with an increase in play in the steering.
When driving over a poorly maintained road there seems to be a rattle which is accompanied on a number of occasions by a tinkle (as if a washer is rattling on a loose bolt) comming from the front end. I got home today and decided to have a look around, but (probably owing to the fact that I dont know what I was looking for) found nothing. I got out and wiggled the wheel about 5mm on the diameter of the sterring wheel and the tyres didnt move nore did it feel like there was a connection.
Having done a search I guess I need a new steering rack, is this most likely the case or am I being paranoid?
Been getting used to the rattles of the lotus over the past 4-5 months of ownership, but have got something new that seems to have developed along with an increase in play in the steering.
When driving over a poorly maintained road there seems to be a rattle which is accompanied on a number of occasions by a tinkle (as if a washer is rattling on a loose bolt) comming from the front end. I got home today and decided to have a look around, but (probably owing to the fact that I dont know what I was looking for) found nothing. I got out and wiggled the wheel about 5mm on the diameter of the sterring wheel and the tyres didnt move nore did it feel like there was a connection.
Having done a search I guess I need a new steering rack, is this most likely the case or am I being paranoid?
Rattles and tinkles etc etc are very common, a common source of paranoia along with temperature concerns, almost always 99% nothing to worry about.
Play in the steering maybe something to look into though. Elise steering is always very direct and responsive, so I'd get that checked over.
Play in the steering maybe something to look into though. Elise steering is always very direct and responsive, so I'd get that checked over.
It might be the UJs on the steering column: these can come a bit loose and can be tightened. If they're OK, then you need to jack the car up and take off one of the fronts. Then grab the track rod end (it joins the rack to the wheels basically) and push and pull whilst holding onto the upright (the part the tre attaches to at the wheel end). If you can feel play (even a small amount) then the rack needs a refresh.
You can diy a refresh or alternatively it might be worth ringing around some of the specialist for an exchange?
There was a refreshed rack in Seloc classifieds a little while ago btw (not mine!).
You can diy a refresh or alternatively it might be worth ringing around some of the specialist for an exchange?
There was a refreshed rack in Seloc classifieds a little while ago btw (not mine!).
What tyres are you going for? If just for the road, a friend of mine has put Kumho tyres on and now they are bedded in, he rates them well. And for only £220 fitted an excellent price!
francelise
francelise
welshclown said:
Cheers guys
The car came with a warranty so will try and get it in for them to have a look. I guess I can get them to have a look when I get new tires all round (which I need to get done ASAP).
The car came with a warranty so will try and get it in for them to have a look. I guess I can get them to have a look when I get new tires all round (which I need to get done ASAP).
Hollywood Wheels said:
A recon rack fitted will be about £400-450 if you can't do it yourself. Hopefully it won't require that.
That is quite high. £250 or thereabouts should do it if you let them take your old rack, assuming it is this 
Otherwise 1st port of call is pinch bolts in the steering column (get under the dash and to them up)
Cheers for your replies guys, really appreciate your advice and opinions!!
Steering rack:
Will have a look next weekend and the area you mentioned as away this week with work. Hopefully it will be covered by the warrenty I got with the car if its not a simple case of tightening a few bolts up!!
Tyres:
Was thinking yokos Ad07s from elise parts (£380 +vat) and getting them fitted at £8 (+ vat) a pop, not cheap but found that toyos and michelins were similer prices so figured pay the extra couple of tenners. Didnt even think any other tyres were a real option until you have mentioned that!! Where did your mate get them from? What they like in the wet?
Steering rack:
Will have a look next weekend and the area you mentioned as away this week with work. Hopefully it will be covered by the warrenty I got with the car if its not a simple case of tightening a few bolts up!!
Tyres:
Was thinking yokos Ad07s from elise parts (£380 +vat) and getting them fitted at £8 (+ vat) a pop, not cheap but found that toyos and michelins were similer prices so figured pay the extra couple of tenners. Didnt even think any other tyres were a real option until you have mentioned that!! Where did your mate get them from? What they like in the wet?
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff