Braking problem after hitting pothole
Discussion
I took delivery of a new Exige Sport 350 a couple of months ago. Recently after 900 miles of running in, I hit a massive pothole whilst travelling at about 50-60 mph. Along with the crash as the suspension reacted to the impact there was a very loud crack - similar to that made when a large, dead branch is snapped.
My immediate reaction was that something had broken. However, the car's behaviour seemed to be unaffected and I continued my journey for a further 20 miles without further problem.
The following day, on my way home, I noticed that the car was intermittently pulling significantly to the right under braking. Occasionally it would pull to the left and sometimes brake normally. Ever since, on every journey that I have made, the brakes will sometimes pull right, sometimes to the left and sometimes normally. There seems to be no recognisable reason or consistency in this braking behaviour. I've tested the brakes when they are cold and hot, with cold tyres and warm tyres. I've tested them in Sport mode, Race mode and DCM Off - it doesn't seem to make any difference. I've checked tyre pressures. The steering wheel is still central and the car freewheels in a straight line. I've had the tracking checked by a specialist and that's OK. I've returned the car to the authorised dealer and they cannot find any signs of breakage or damage.
Sometimes the brakes are OK for a while and unfortunately that was the case when the dealer's technician took the car out for a test-drive. However, the tracking specialist did recognise the problem when he carried out his test drive. Of one thing I am certain; something is not right.
If anyone has spared the time to read this long message I would be most grateful for any suggestions over and beyond the diagnoses that I have already outlined above. I suspect the technician at the dealer only inspected what was visible with the wheel removed. Could there be damage to the steering that is not readily visible? Could a yaw sensor be at fault? Or could a fault in the ABS be the culprit?
The car is brand new, has covered just 1200 miles, but until I can fix this braking problem I can only drive the car with extreme care. Any suggestions or feedback would be much appreciated. Also, any recommendations regarding Lotus dealers (authorised or specialist) in the Midlands area who I might approach for a second opinion would also be gratefully received.
Thank you.
My immediate reaction was that something had broken. However, the car's behaviour seemed to be unaffected and I continued my journey for a further 20 miles without further problem.
The following day, on my way home, I noticed that the car was intermittently pulling significantly to the right under braking. Occasionally it would pull to the left and sometimes brake normally. Ever since, on every journey that I have made, the brakes will sometimes pull right, sometimes to the left and sometimes normally. There seems to be no recognisable reason or consistency in this braking behaviour. I've tested the brakes when they are cold and hot, with cold tyres and warm tyres. I've tested them in Sport mode, Race mode and DCM Off - it doesn't seem to make any difference. I've checked tyre pressures. The steering wheel is still central and the car freewheels in a straight line. I've had the tracking checked by a specialist and that's OK. I've returned the car to the authorised dealer and they cannot find any signs of breakage or damage.
Sometimes the brakes are OK for a while and unfortunately that was the case when the dealer's technician took the car out for a test-drive. However, the tracking specialist did recognise the problem when he carried out his test drive. Of one thing I am certain; something is not right.
If anyone has spared the time to read this long message I would be most grateful for any suggestions over and beyond the diagnoses that I have already outlined above. I suspect the technician at the dealer only inspected what was visible with the wheel removed. Could there be damage to the steering that is not readily visible? Could a yaw sensor be at fault? Or could a fault in the ABS be the culprit?
The car is brand new, has covered just 1200 miles, but until I can fix this braking problem I can only drive the car with extreme care. Any suggestions or feedback would be much appreciated. Also, any recommendations regarding Lotus dealers (authorised or specialist) in the Midlands area who I might approach for a second opinion would also be gratefully received.
Thank you.
Yep. Rear alignment checked as well. That's fine .
The car doesn't deviate under acceleration.
Braking can be to the right, left or straight ahead. If the road is level the problem is less pronounced but still occurs intermittently. If the road undulates or has significant camber braking will often vere in the direction of camber, but not always and when it does it is way more than might be expected. Could castor action be exaggerated due to a mechanical fault?
The car doesn't deviate under acceleration.
Braking can be to the right, left or straight ahead. If the road is level the problem is less pronounced but still occurs intermittently. If the road undulates or has significant camber braking will often vere in the direction of camber, but not always and when it does it is way more than might be expected. Could castor action be exaggerated due to a mechanical fault?
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