clinking noise from suspension

[zebedee]

after a loooooooong (5 hour!!) drive in my elise s1 111S i thought i'd better ask about noise from the suspension. The car apparently has lotus sports suspension and the ride and handling is fine. The noise over ridges and bumps though sounds like metal rods clinking against each other - it does it on all 4 corners and whether cold or hot (possibly more noticeable when cold). Is this just the alloy chassis amplifying the noise or should i get it checked out?

[Felix7]

Could be the lack of heat shield that was an afterthought to protect the rear track rod ends from the heat emanating from the exhaust/manifold/cat, causes a very metallic creaking/knocking sound.

[zebedee]

no, i read about that on another thread - it does it on all 4 corners (though most noticeable on the rear) and does it from cold. Its more of a clinky sound - like hollow metal pipes being chinked together. SHould I be able to hear my suspension at all or are most elises completely quiet in this regard?

[bertie]

I had a very annoying click / squeak form the fromt end of my Sport 160 which I traced to the anti roll bar where it goes through the mounts.
Squirt of lubricant sorted it.

But since there isn't an anti roll bar on the rear I'm not sure.

[stove]

I get the very same thing as this and its far more prominant in the cold weather. Ive have heard several people say it has something to do with the shocks knocking on the springs and Lotus brought out a mod to enlarge the springs slightly to avoid the contact. I have noticed however that after a good hard run, the noise lessens, unless its just that my ears are numb from the induction roar If we ever get a warm day you may find that it is less of an issue - maybe the springs expand slightly..

Try having a look at the shock barrel for signs of contact, and whilst your there, rock the wheels (car jacked) with your hands at 12 and 6 o clock to check for play in the suspension knuckle joints and bearings. There shouldnt be any audiable knocking.

Hope you identify your problem

Jeff.