[Rom]

Hi all,

So, since I got my '05 Elise at the end of November 2007 (just over a year ago), I would feel the slight bumps through the steering column. It was very minor and the steering and feedback felt fine.

Well, it hasn't really changed (still feels fine steering), but I finally looked it up and apparently this is a common issue... Therefore, I'm looking at possibly changing out the rack for a quick rack (possibly a Titan from Sector111), but - even though I generally work on the car myself - I'd rather a specialist install the steering rack, and align/adjust it correctly.

So, anyone happen to know of a good steering specialist that works on Elises around the Bay Area...?

Thanks!

S.

 

[MattG]

Rob Dietsch of Dietsch Werks in Santa Clara would be your best bet. He has an '05 Elise and all the right equipment to do the work. He's username 'Dietsch Werks' on LotusTalk.

 

[cstetter]

Rob Dietsch of Dietsch Werks in Santa Clara would be your best bet. He has an '05 Elise and all the right equipment to do the work. He's username 'Dietsch Werks' on LotusTalk.

+1 and he also just did some installations of the Titan quick rack.

 

[Ballz]

Might also want to try Auto Headquarter in Redwood City.. Kevin is very knowledgeable!

 

[deddie]

+1 and he also just did some installations of the Titan quick rack.

One of those was my car.

 

[cstetter]

One of those was my car.

I saw your car in the shop then. How do you like the new rack?

 

[larez2]

What's your reasoning behind changing it out if it feels fine? I feel the same sort of bumps you describe and I took my car in to the Lotus dealership a while back to check it out under warranty. They road tested it and said nothing is wrong with the steering or steering rack; they did mention that they had a few Elise's that had to have the steering racks replaced, but that the bump/feedback was normal and not a cause for alarm.

 

[cstetter]

What's your reasoning behind changing it out if it feels fine? I feel the same sort of bumps you describe and I took my car in to the Lotus dealership a while back to check it out under warranty. They road tested it and said nothing is wrong with the steering or steering rack; they did mention that they had a few Elise's that had to have the steering racks replaced, but that the bump/feedback was normal and not a cause for alarm.

If I can speak for him, based on the list of things he wanted Rob Dietsch to do on the car, it is mainly a track car and I can see the benefits of a quicker rack. Rob says it really makes a big difference (I didn't try for myself).

 

[Rom]

What's your reasoning behind changing it out if it feels fine? I feel the same sort of bumps you describe and I took my car in to the Lotus dealership a while back to check it out under warranty. They road tested it and said nothing is wrong with the steering or steering rack; they did mention that they had a few Elise's that had to have the steering racks replaced, but that the bump/feedback was normal and not a cause for alarm.

What cstetter said is true - the quick rack should improve track performance, which is reason enough to do it.

However, I'm also concerned that there is a definite problem in the steering system. I've read that some racks have failed entirely - and I don't want that happening! Generally the problem does get worse over time. If your rack is having the problem (feels like someone is taking a very small hammer and tapping your steering column at random times while driving), then I'd force your dealer to swap it out before your warranty ends. It's a defect that should be replaced, and will probably get worse. I don't put many miles on the Lotus so that's why it's lasted a year for me without getting much worse.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

S.