New Elise S1 - knocking noises
Discussion
Hi everyone,
1st post and I'd like some advice please.
I've just bought a 98 S1. Great car, goes well, handles beautifully.
BUT
I have a horrible knocking noise when going over even the slightest of bumps. Most noticeable at lower speeds but definately there irrespective of the pace I'm travelling at.
I've read about anti-roll bars but I couldn't swear as to whether it's coming from just the from as it mainly seems to, or the rear. It's going into Lotus on Friday which will cost me a fortune and I'm worried what they're going to tell me. Does anyone have any pearls of wisdom to make me feel better? Please dont tell me I've bought a doozer.
Rob.
>> Edited by rhbmcse on Tuesday 25th April 16:21
1st post and I'd like some advice please.
I've just bought a 98 S1. Great car, goes well, handles beautifully.
BUT
I have a horrible knocking noise when going over even the slightest of bumps. Most noticeable at lower speeds but definately there irrespective of the pace I'm travelling at.
I've read about anti-roll bars but I couldn't swear as to whether it's coming from just the from as it mainly seems to, or the rear. It's going into Lotus on Friday which will cost me a fortune and I'm worried what they're going to tell me. Does anyone have any pearls of wisdom to make me feel better? Please dont tell me I've bought a doozer.
Rob.
>> Edited by rhbmcse on Tuesday 25th April 16:21
Or the Shocks. If you are still on the original red Konis they are renowned for the 'Billiard Ball' sound as they operate, and also for failing quite early - look for signs of oil leaks on the shiny portion of the shock. Mine went last year and it occasionally sounded like the front of the car was coming loose.
If they are on the way out the options are:
- Like for like if funds are tight; sometimes find used ones on here or ebay.
- S2 sus kit from Steve B on SELOC; great upgrade for road use and only slightly more expensive than 4 new red konis.
- NITRONS/OHLINS, pricey but the dog's danglies.
If they are on the way out the options are:
- Like for like if funds are tight; sometimes find used ones on here or ebay.
- S2 sus kit from Steve B on SELOC; great upgrade for road use and only slightly more expensive than 4 new red konis.
- NITRONS/OHLINS, pricey but the dog's danglies.
Yeah,
doesn't sound like the billiard ball noise - seems to come from both sides and is a bit more of a heavy knock.
The shocks havent been replaced and it's done 24500 miles now.
What cost can I expect to be associated if it needs new shocks all around? It's going into lotus on friday - do I get them to do it as I believe the elises' suspension is quite a specialist area and needs to be spot on...
The thing is costing me a fortune already but I want her to be right. It is my daily form of transport.
Paul (MR C) - How many miles have you done now that it's started knocking again?
Rob.
>> Edited by rhbmcse on Tuesday 25th April 16:22
doesn't sound like the billiard ball noise - seems to come from both sides and is a bit more of a heavy knock.
The shocks havent been replaced and it's done 24500 miles now.
What cost can I expect to be associated if it needs new shocks all around? It's going into lotus on friday - do I get them to do it as I believe the elises' suspension is quite a specialist area and needs to be spot on...
The thing is costing me a fortune already but I want her to be right. It is my daily form of transport.
Paul (MR C) - How many miles have you done now that it's started knocking again?
Rob.
>> Edited by rhbmcse on Tuesday 25th April 16:22
Sounds like one or both of the rear shocks is knacked.
Option 1: replace with konis (you'd be mad to do so)
Option 2: replace with one of Steve B's S2 Bilstein kits = about £600 + 250ish for fitting plus geo
Option 3: replace with Nitron or Ohlin adjustables = about £1300 + 250ish for fitting plus geo
You could I suppose go for Lotus Sport Suspension too which is adjustable, but the general concensus is that the above options are the better ones I believe.
Option 1: replace with konis (you'd be mad to do so)
Option 2: replace with one of Steve B's S2 Bilstein kits = about £600 + 250ish for fitting plus geo
Option 3: replace with Nitron or Ohlin adjustables = about £1300 + 250ish for fitting plus geo
You could I suppose go for Lotus Sport Suspension too which is adjustable, but the general concensus is that the above options are the better ones I believe.
Talk to Dan at Jude Performance (search archive for his contact info) or get onto NORLOG the Nothern Owners group (details on SELOC I think).
Have heard both pos and neg comments on your local main dealer, so best to check with experience of others. The fitment of the replacement parts isn't hard, the key is getting the set-up correct (the geo).
Have heard both pos and neg comments on your local main dealer, so best to check with experience of others. The fitment of the replacement parts isn't hard, the key is getting the set-up correct (the geo).
Dan is at nyloc, As are most Yorkshire owners, Join us for sound advice!
http://forum.nyloc.org/
Also in your area is foulds who I use ( great advice )
www.fouldsmotors.co.uk/
Mine was knocking when i bought it 5k miles!! replaced wiyh Nitrons- problem solved.
The S2 suspension upgrade is the most economical for the results you will get.
Under no curcumstances would I replace with red konis.
www.judeperformance.co.uk/
Don't worry too much about the knocking, they all do it!
Dunx.
http://forum.nyloc.org/
Also in your area is foulds who I use ( great advice )
www.fouldsmotors.co.uk/
Mine was knocking when i bought it 5k miles!! replaced wiyh Nitrons- problem solved.
The S2 suspension upgrade is the most economical for the results you will get.
Under no curcumstances would I replace with red konis.
www.judeperformance.co.uk/
Don't worry too much about the knocking, they all do it!
Dunx.
Rob, he's in Honley near holmfirth huddersfield, if you go for a visit hes just past a 4 by 4 garage, in some indutrial units to the rear, plenty of nyloc elises use it.
On that note if you have a look at the nyloc site we have plenty of local runs at weekends if you want a ride out, also meets (there was one last night ) at Buckles inn at A64 into York.
Dunx.
>> Edited by dunxs1 on Wednesday 26th April 07:39
On that note if you have a look at the nyloc site we have plenty of local runs at weekends if you want a ride out, also meets (there was one last night ) at Buckles inn at A64 into York.
Dunx.
>> Edited by dunxs1 on Wednesday 26th April 07:39
Thanks Dunkx,
yes it'd be good to come to the odd meet and go for a run with a few other like-minded guys (& gals).
I'm beginning to think that the knocking noise IS the billiard effect. I can kinda hear the similarity now that I've got over the initial shock of it (no pun intended).
It definately has the original Konis on it. Would the guy in Huddersfield do it significantly cheaper than Lotus!!! It's costing me over £600 for a C service on friday with them (doesnt need cam belt - it has been done). Also needs the floor treatment doing. I'm not fancying the bill...
yes it'd be good to come to the odd meet and go for a run with a few other like-minded guys (& gals).
I'm beginning to think that the knocking noise IS the billiard effect. I can kinda hear the similarity now that I've got over the initial shock of it (no pun intended).
It definately has the original Konis on it. Would the guy in Huddersfield do it significantly cheaper than Lotus!!! It's costing me over £600 for a C service on friday with them (doesnt need cam belt - it has been done). Also needs the floor treatment doing. I'm not fancying the bill...
The noise is normal for original S1 shocks, apparentley its the spring and the shock body knocking together, it has no detromental effect on the car.Wait while they leak-you won't have to wait too long! then change for S2 conversion or nitrons if the budget allows,
As for servicing- independant dealers do " in my opinion " a far better job for significantley less money, they have more riding on a good service reputation. Most Elise drivers in the know, realise this so main dealer service is not all its cracked up to be.
Dunx
ps. the floor treatment is a free warranty job- the only thing my car has been to main dealers for!
>> Edited by dunxs1 on Wednesday 26th April 19:56
As for servicing- independant dealers do " in my opinion " a far better job for significantley less money, they have more riding on a good service reputation. Most Elise drivers in the know, realise this so main dealer service is not all its cracked up to be.
Dunx
ps. the floor treatment is a free warranty job- the only thing my car has been to main dealers for!
>> Edited by dunxs1 on Wednesday 26th April 19:56
If it's a reputable specialist not a problem. Some of the main dealers are known to be utter overpriced crap so just cos it's got a stamp doesn't mean it's any good.
How old's the car and what's it worth? It's probably hit the bottom, or pretty close to bottom, of its depreciation cycle as an S1 anyway.
How old's the car and what's it worth? It's probably hit the bottom, or pretty close to bottom, of its depreciation cycle as an S1 anyway.
For £500 at a specialist you should get a C + Brake fluid change + Coolant Change + Cambelt change.
Edit to say that yes it *could* affect resale of you a) sell private and b) have a numpty buyer who doesnt "get" that specialists are often better than dealers, low probability but worth noting.
>> Edited by hbaumhardt on Thursday 27th April 12:49
Edit to say that yes it *could* affect resale of you a) sell private and b) have a numpty buyer who doesnt "get" that specialists are often better than dealers, low probability but worth noting.
>> Edited by hbaumhardt on Thursday 27th April 12:49
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