Knocking felt through steering, can anyone help?

[mr-lovebucket]

When my car (a 2004 111S) gets hot (i.e. after 30 mins driving), I feel the occasional 'knocking' through the steering wheel. It's difficult to describe, but it feels like there's something loose in the steering system? The knocking (probably the wrong word) occurs on bumps in the road, and I can't actually hear it, but can just feel it through the steering wheel. It's a fairly young car, done 18,500 miles, so i'm hoping it's nothing too serious! Seems strange that it only happens when it's hot. Has anybody had anything similar or know what it could be? Thanks!

[GTRene]

strange that it only does that when its hot...but that maybe can have to do with your shocks?? when that oil in it gets hot its also getting thinner?? and I've heard of some bad shocks...the koni's I believe are not that well made for the Elise?
just a thought, hope it helps where to point your ears?
GTRene

[S works]

Won't be Koni's as the S2's have Bilsteins, and they're not known for being crap. More likely sounds like something to do with the steering mech. Play in the rack, or loose rack, or maybe UV joint issue perhaps?

Get it to Sinclaires and see what Wayne or Mark suggest after a test drive. They're near you and have a wealth of knowledge, are keenly priced and will get it sorted for you.

>> Edited by S works on Thursday 11th May 23:41

[TonyHetherington]

Yup - I had a simliar kind of thing and it turned out to be just play in the UV joint between the wheel and the rack. They (Lotus) tightened it up and hey presto. Get it to Sinclaires, like Tim above says, and they'll sort it for you

[mr-lovebucket]

Thanks guys. It's still under warranty (just), so I'm going to get it sorted ASAP.

[gfun]

Sure its the front and not the rear?

The rear tie rods are a bit weak and could be about ready to give up at 18k if its been driven hard.

This could explain why it only does it when hot, as when they are worn they knock when hot?

The way to test would be to get it hot and hold the rear tie rods in turn whist getting a friend to rock the car you will feel a distinct knock.

Caveat - when its hot you will also have down there a hot exhaust and disc so be careful!

G

[mr-lovebucket]

I'm fairly sure it's from the front, as I can only feel it through the steering wheel, and can't actually hear any unusual sounds. I've arranged to get Lotus to check it out tomorrow. Thanks everybody for the help - it will hopefully make me sound more intelligent when discussing the problem with the garage :-)