Advice on maintaining a caterham

Advice on maintaining a caterham

Author
Discussion

Lewboy95

Original Poster:

25 posts

42 months

Saturday 10th October 2020
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Hi
I’m looking for some tips and advice on how to maintain a Caterham After days out on the roads if there’s anything I should be checking before and after use

Thanks

bazjude2998

666 posts

123 months

Sunday 25th October 2020
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I can’t understand no replies so far.All I would say having owned several Lotus 7
and Caterhams they are no different in a lot of respects of any other classic / sports car.All performance cars need a considerable more attention than your daily run about so do check periodically as many nuts and bolts as you can.A lot more vibration in these cars.Pay a lot of attention to keeping the car clean especially through the winter,salt on the roads will kill your car.Dont go out if the roads have been salted.
The most important thing is to enjoy your car and don’t worry to much of what may lay ahead
Regards Baz

the av8er

144 posts

122 months

Monday 26th October 2020
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Depends on the age of your car.
If it's fairly recent...... Say 15 years old or newer, and is mostly factory original or re spec,ed by a professional. There should be no need for any additional maintenance or checks. Most components are from modern reliable cars.

I presume it gets little use compared to a regular car and unless it's being abused or raced, it should be fine.
Only soft bits and trim may need attention as some are flimsy and could be affected by damp as the car is not completely water tight.

As these cars are expensive and generally run low mileage, you should expect excellent reliability.
You should only expect regular problems from a cheap, poorly built copy.

PiersR

107 posts

155 months

Monday 26th October 2020
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Over time you will get to know your car. Checking oil and water coolant levels is the norm, plus tyre pressures are critical to good handling. Do a spanner check on suspension nuts and bolts every other month. Keep the throttle cable oiled and carry a spare, plus a clutch cable. Check wheel nuts are set at the correct torque. Every now and then, check gaskets on fuel sender and the condition of the rubber petrol fill point. Any smell of petrol and it needs close inspection.

Lewboy95

Original Poster:

25 posts

42 months

Monday 26th October 2020
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Perfect guys thanks

TarquinMX5

1,918 posts

79 months

Tuesday 27th October 2020
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It's really been covered above, and it does depend on model/age/build/use, but keep an eye on fuel lines and wheel nut torque - easy to forget if not used very often and wheel taken off for maintenance and perhaps not torqued up for some reason and then car not used. Certainly a good pre-season check.

KN02LEY

72 posts

118 months

Thursday 29th October 2020
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I've found this resource to provide a useful general guide but you have to refer to the Caterham supplied specifics for your particular model.

http://www.alcester-racing-sevens.com/maintenance....

ETA don't forget to check the front hubs for excess clearance. Frequency depends on your mileage but every couple of years is a good starting point.

Edited by KN02LEY on Thursday 29th October 20:32

Lewboy95

Original Poster:

25 posts

42 months

Friday 30th October 2020
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KN02LEY said:
I've found this resource to provide a useful general guide but you have to refer to the Caterham supplied specifics for your particular model.

http://www.alcester-racing-sevens.com/maintenance....

ETA don't forget to check the front hubs for excess clearance. Frequency depends on your mileage but every couple of years is a good starting point.

Edited by KN02LEY on Thursday 29th October 20:32
That’s perfect thanks

Toaster

2,938 posts

192 months

Thursday 19th November 2020
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Lewboy95 said:
Hi
I’m looking for some tips and advice on how to maintain a Caterham After days out on the roads if there’s anything I should be checking before and after use

Thanks
If you have not tried the Lotus 7 Club its a wealth of information and you may find the Local group of help as well. https://www.lotus7.club/guides you would have to become a member

Lewboy95

Original Poster:

25 posts

42 months

Thursday 19th November 2020
quotequote all
Toaster said:
If you have not tried the Lotus 7 Club its a wealth of information and you may find the Local group of help as well. https://www.lotus7.club/guides you would have to become a member
Will do thanks