2 elise problems...
Discussion
TADTS (They all do that sir) ge used to hearing it !
S1 or S2 ?
www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
www.elises.co.uk/problems/index.html
S1 or S2 ?
www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
www.elises.co.uk/problems/index.html
Brakes are not servo assisted so take some getting used too. Pedal should be very firm when pressed it feels like nothing happens initially then they bite. Should be very effective (light car) if not there may be issues.
Suspension is crashy - check to see if you are on Koni shocks. If so a nice mod is the S2 suspension kit. Lower springs and better specified bilstein shocks. Massive improvement for a few hundred notes.....
Welcome to Lotus ownership BTW
Suspension is crashy - check to see if you are on Koni shocks. If so a nice mod is the S2 suspension kit. Lower springs and better specified bilstein shocks. Massive improvement for a few hundred notes.....
Welcome to Lotus ownership BTW
a '97 car will have MMC discs. Mine squeal like a bitch too. You get used to it, although it can be a bit embarressing when you pull up at a pelican crossing and there's loads of fit girls there looking at what all the noise is about...
although when they're warm (hot!) they are quiet.
although when they're warm (hot!) they are quiet.
glad i just took a look at the shocks - i've noticed the pads need replacing all round! it's a job i'll happily do myself - what pads should i get? (i'm not doing track days)...
the shocks are red - fairly descriptive i know, but does that make them koni? as the knocking - just an old worn bush?
the shocks are red - fairly descriptive i know, but does that make them koni? as the knocking - just an old worn bush?
If they're red then they are the original Konis, the knocking (if it sounds like 2 snooker balls colliding) is normal, they are however, prone to leaking which will be apparent on the lower portion. Once they start to leak they aren't long for this world. * bolts to change the lot, options, depending on depth of your pockets are:
- like for like, cheapest but will probably leak again soon.
- S2 kit using Bilstein dampers, only slightly more expensive than new reds but much better; a good road compromise.
- Nitrons/Ohlins, adjustable, > £1,100, serious track day enthusiasts.
- like for like, cheapest but will probably leak again soon.
- S2 kit using Bilstein dampers, only slightly more expensive than new reds but much better; a good road compromise.
- Nitrons/Ohlins, adjustable, > £1,100, serious track day enthusiasts.
GR1FF, you'll almost cetainly have MMC discs on a 97 Elise. As far as I know you have to get the pads from Lotus for these - the're not the same as 'ordinary' pads. The MMC brakes do have a reputation for squealing but a few hard stops from speed can help alleviate the problem. I'd get a Lotus dealer to check to see what sort of discs you have. BTW although my car doesn't have them I understand the MMC brakes are superb - Lotus only stopped using them due to sourcing difficulties.
Re the knocking shocks. Sounds like Konis. TADTS. But check the're not leaking oil. Talk to SteveB on Seloc re suspension upgrades.
Re the knocking shocks. Sounds like Konis. TADTS. But check the're not leaking oil. Talk to SteveB on Seloc re suspension upgrades.
What...you mean the disc falls off when it comes close to a magnet... 
I heard Lotus don't sell the pads anymore for the MMC discs, but i may be wrong!?!?
Should be easy to tell if you have MMC discs as there wont be any rust on them just a mat grey where they have not been in contact with the pads and have anodised.
My S1 use to squeak a little if i hadnt really been driving it, i found a couple of hard stops sorted it....
Should be easy to tell if you have MMC discs as there wont be any rust on them just a mat grey where they have not been in contact with the pads and have anodised.
My S1 use to squeak a little if i hadnt really been driving it, i found a couple of hard stops sorted it....
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