S1 Suspension Clunks

[dss123]

Hi Guys,

Planning a bit of an overhaul of my S1 111s this winter. Primarily brakes, gear change in addition to general check over.

I notice that the suspension (rear mostly) can be a little clunky at very low speeds on bumpy roads. I know this is par for the course with the S1 but part of me thinks it could be better ie quieter.

Don't get me wrong, it doesn't sound like anything is wrong, it just sounds like the suspension is "working". A "clunky" noise describes it quite well.

I have the Lotus Motorsport Suspension (included as an option from new by the original owner). I don't think the dampers have ever been replaced. Could they be on the way out and would new ones make any difference?

If the you guys think the answer might be yes on both counts, can anybody offer advice on the best course of action.

Can I buy just the dampers, if so, where from. Is it worth considering an upgrade (no I can't afford nitrons!). etc, etc.

Your combined help is, as ever, greatly appreciated.


DSS

[adrianr]

I'm planning a similar refresh on mine. I don't have LSS so I'm going to:

- fit the S2 dampers and springs,
- replace all four lower balljoints,
- replace all four rear toe link ends

and check all the other ball joints, track rod ends, ARB bushes, drop links, steering rack itself, wheel bearings etc etc.

Kind of hoping it'll be better than new, but we shall see.

AdrianR

[djroadboy]

If you have LSS and you can't afford Nitrons then any damper change will be a downgrade rather than an upgrade I'm afraid. S2 dampers is probably the way forward if you want to change them.

DJ

[dss123]

Cheers Guys,

Not really bothered about changing the suspension setup as I am very happy with the LSS. I just wondered if it was possible to obtain and fit new dampers (are they Konis?) but keep all the other bits.

Can't really justify the expense of a swap just yet!

If new dampers are possible, does anybody know where I can get hold of them and whether fitting requires special tools (spring compressers and the like?)

Any help, much appreciated.


DSS

[paulwakinshaw]

Hi Mate

I have a S1 (normal 118BHP) and the shocks on mine were making a hell of a noise even over slightly uneven surfaces which in the end drove me mad! I completed a pretty comprehensive thread on the subject which you can find here:

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=116449&f=15&h=0&hw=S1+Suspension+S2

Happy to help

Wako

[randy]

The clunks come as standard with LSS.

I wouldn't bother replacing them with the same as LSS are cr*p. Go for Nitrons or, if you can't afford that, S2 shocks.

[dss123]

Cheers Wacko,

That was very useful.

I was hoping not to have to spend that kinda money cos I think the LSS is fundamentally not bad, it's just the dampers are a little tired.

Could really do with finding out if they are available on their own?

Any ideas?


DSS

[dss123]

Randy,

Thanks for your input.

I'm thinking that the LSS is not too bad and at least my S1 looks like a real sports car, not some dune buggy!

Will I loose the ride height adjustment of the LSS is I fit the S2 setup or can I retain the LSS adjustable spring platforms??


Help it's all getting just too confusing!


To be honest, I can live with the nocking if, as you suggest, it is a "feature". I guess my main concern was that it was shagged.

Cheers


DSS

[randy]

The knocking doesn't mean that they are shagged although their life expectancy isn't great. Mine only lasted 15K miles.

[black_potato]

Compared with the Standard suspension LSS hardly knock at all, well... compared to anything else in a S1

It sounds to me like you might have a joint problem, if I where you and wasnt 100% sure I would take it to a specialist and ask them to have a look and recomend a solution. There is nothing to stop you saying "HOW MUCH" and doing it yourself.

Changing the suspension is going to screw your geo...

Oh and.... give me S1 LSS with Exige springs over S2 suspension anytime.....
Agreed Nitrons are the way to go if you have the cash.
The main reason S2 suspension is popular as it comes in a few hundred pounds less than LSS with decent springs and is easily available.