Elise S1 - Steering issue and ticking noise from engine?
Discussion
Just bought my first Elise (98, Sreg) with 23,000miles on the clock) and so far so good.
Only couple of issues I have is when drving at higher speeds (80mph+), the steering wheels vibrates quite a lot. Is this a problem with the steering rack or quite a comman feature? Also, there is a slight ticking noise which comes from the engine, which you only notice when the car is at lo-revs. Is this a potential problem or do I need to get used to the fact that the engine is so easily heard? The car has been well serviced over the years, so not sure if there is anything else I might be missing.
Any thoughts would be great!
Only couple of issues I have is when drving at higher speeds (80mph+), the steering wheels vibrates quite a lot. Is this a problem with the steering rack or quite a comman feature? Also, there is a slight ticking noise which comes from the engine, which you only notice when the car is at lo-revs. Is this a potential problem or do I need to get used to the fact that the engine is so easily heard? The car has been well serviced over the years, so not sure if there is anything else I might be missing.
Any thoughts would be great!
I'd imagine your steering issue is nothing more than an out of balance font wheel.... take it to a REPUTABLE tyre shop and get all four blanced for peace of mind.... if the noise persists then it'll be something a little more sinister.
As for the ticking noise, the K-series is a tappety engine at times, especially when cold, it's normal and they all do it. If the ticking is particularly audible though then it might be an exhaust manifold gasket blowing or possibly a cat gasket or exhaust flexi..... basically just exhaust gases escaping under the compression pulse making a "ticking" sound. Again, a Lotus specialist or a trusted local exhaust shop should be able to investigate this on your behalf if you've not the confidence to do it yourself
Welcome to the fold.... do some on-track driver training, take your time getting used to the car and above all BE CAREFUL IN THE WET! Then you'll get as much enjoyment out of yours as most of u get out of ours
As for the ticking noise, the K-series is a tappety engine at times, especially when cold, it's normal and they all do it. If the ticking is particularly audible though then it might be an exhaust manifold gasket blowing or possibly a cat gasket or exhaust flexi..... basically just exhaust gases escaping under the compression pulse making a "ticking" sound. Again, a Lotus specialist or a trusted local exhaust shop should be able to investigate this on your behalf if you've not the confidence to do it yourself
Welcome to the fold.... do some on-track driver training, take your time getting used to the car and above all BE CAREFUL IN THE WET!
Then you'll get as much enjoyment out of yours as most of u get out of ours There is very little compliance in the steering system of the Elise so any vibration at the wheel feels comparatively bad, but the steering feel is well worth he trade off. Start with checking the wheel balancing, I second Esprits comments regards outlets - an independant will take better care of your rims. Also worth asking what tolerance they balance to, most run to 5grams iirc but modern rigs should be able to get to 1 or 2grams. If that doesn't help check for a bent wheel or buckled rim, this may be apparent when checking the balancing. I had shocking wobble in my steering at speed which turned out to be a big ding on the inside rim of a front wheel, presumably from a pothole (glad all my road tax goes into maintaining the surface in such good condition), replaced the wheel with a refurbed 2nd hand one and the steering became as smooth as silk.
Wheel bearings could also cause that but having had both my front ones replaced recently they are accompanied by a whine loud enough to drown out a sports exhaust when they wrap their hands in.
If that doesn't cure it then possibly ball joints, steering rack or bushes - best to get the advice off a specialist on these items, someone on here will probably be along with a recommendation soon in your area.
Dampers, steering racks and wheel bearings on the S1 seem to have a life of 20-30,000 miles, any idea if any of yours have already been replaced??
The K is a little tappity and this appears worse since there is no sounproofing over the engine and 24 big holes in the lid!
Don't worry, it all fades into insignificance when the car is in its natural habitat - 2nd and 3rd gear on a twisty A or B road.
Wheel bearings could also cause that but having had both my front ones replaced recently they are accompanied by a whine loud enough to drown out a sports exhaust when they wrap their hands in.
If that doesn't cure it then possibly ball joints, steering rack or bushes - best to get the advice off a specialist on these items, someone on here will probably be along with a recommendation soon in your area.
Dampers, steering racks and wheel bearings on the S1 seem to have a life of 20-30,000 miles, any idea if any of yours have already been replaced??
The K is a little tappity and this appears worse since there is no sounproofing over the engine and 24 big holes in the lid!
Don't worry, it all fades into insignificance when the car is in its natural habitat - 2nd and 3rd gear on a twisty A or B road.
As noted above, get the wheel's balanced and at the same time have them check the front tyres for flat-spotting. Common on Elises as they're easy to lock up if you're not being a good boy.
Regarding the tapping noise, if it disappears after a while then it's probably the hydraulic lifters - junks recommends using a flushing oil as directed, then a refill.
Regarding the tapping noise, if it disappears after a while then it's probably the hydraulic lifters - junks recommends using a flushing oil as directed, then a refill.
Another possibility about the steering. If a previous owner hit a curb or anything then the wheel could be slightly buckled. I did this in my previous one, going at 30mph (somebody pulled out in front of me). From then on, there were vibrations in the steering, even after getting the wheels balanced. Eventually I replaced the front wheel and all was cured!
I guess the wheel balance is a far more likely cause, but just in case that doesn't work, this might be worth checking.
I guess the wheel balance is a far more likely cause, but just in case that doesn't work, this might be worth checking.
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