Start with the tires. I have had strange vibration issues, and noise issues, and each time replacing the tires was the solution. Usually AFTER I had spent money getting everything else inspected and even replacing a few parts. Tires were only two years old and 30% worn, but were crappy design, causing noise. Recently I had a vibration issue on my daily driver. Had wheels balanced, and told one is bent. Took wheel to repair shop, fixed the slight bend, but said the real problem is the tire is internally bad. So wasted money on balancing and wheel repair....got new tires, and wallah! No more vibration.
They certainly could, and no one really knows until they are inspected. Just because they are only 8 years and 6k miles does not mean you can simply discount that possibility.
all great advice I will order tires and have suspension inspected when they get installed. will let you know how it goes thanks again
Can I still chime in a vote for tires? My 308 on new old tires (That's how I learned tire age matters) started w shaking on corners while running the track, I was looking all over for the prob. I kept running (unknowing and foolishly), then the shaking progressed to straights. By that time, the tire delaminated. I saw the delam in the pits before it became a huge prob. I think 4 years is it.
just picked up car from shop with new toyo r888's in stock size. inspection revealed no damage to hardware but was told tires were in bad shape esp front. much better comfort on street so far but cant tell handling till on track end of next month. will let you know then. thanks
Too late to recommend tyres but both you were thinking of are widely used by the Elise/Exige community so you're fine there. Just watch out for heavy rain, particularly once they're worn a bit as they are very prone to aquaplaning and the cars are so light they really do just sit on top of standing water. You'll have a blast once you get used to the grip levels of those tyres once warmed up and properly sticky. Let us know how you get on next time out.
Big difference so far is new tires damping bumps. I think sidewall of old tires turned to plastic since potholes were like landmines. Much softer and quieter now. Old tires probably went bad sitting in freezing garage for february without moving. Thing that threw me off was they were still sticky and picking up pebbles just like new when hot. Guess different parts tire go bad at different times Thanks for aqua planing warning. I had them on an old gt3 and were not bad but lotus about 1000 lbs lighter
EDIT: I see you found your issue but I was going to say; While they are in there, have them check the balance of the tires as well. My TR developed a vibration at highway speeds, higher the speed the worse the vibration. It threw a tire weight and thus was out of balance. The tire guys said they only needed to check the front wheels as the rears wont cause a vibration. Rear wheels being out of balance will cause a 'loose' feeling. Thats what they said. They did the work for free and the vibration is gone.
thanks for input but jury is still out until I get it back on track next month. I also see these huge bolts in passenger and driver footwells that make me wonder if they can come loose? will have to check that too
somewhat related addition.... When you go on-track, I presume you set pressures, then bleed as appropriate once tires warm? (and torque your wheels?) One thing that happens a lot on track is the tires rotate on the rims, it will happen on cars with big tire grip and big brakes. You might want to mark the valve position on the tire and monitor it as the day goes by. When tires rotate on the rim, they are now out of balance, and add some nice shaking. At DE events, I see this frequently - coupled with people who seem to aim for track debris and have enough tire pickup to create real tire issues. Have fun, keep us posted
I have "gone though" 2 rear wheel bearings and 1 front wheel bearings in 40-odd track weekends in my F355. The symptoms are exactly as described. I had to take the mechanic out on a <nearby> skid pan so he could hear and feel the issue. When the mechanic got the rear one bearing spindle off, the bearings fell out into his hands -- that is DO NOT assume tires all by themselves will fix the problem. And DO NOT take he car on track again until you have fixed the issue. Much better than having an axle let go while on track.
Wonder what could do that to my bearings after only 2 track days run at easy pace and only 5k very easy street miles? Just age? Will speak to mechanic if he checked them last week. Thanks
Mitch is right. If you're tracking a car you really should have it inspected regularly. Track driving puts much much more pressure on car components. Your tires are the second most important component. The first is you!
finally got it on track with new r888 tires and much better. vibration is gone but was a different track that could have been smoother. lots of rattling noises which might be 'normal' for lotus. anyone know of bolts that should get attention?
Good news on the vibration. I know they can snap ball-joints on the rear suspension and also the bolts which hold the suspension arms in place. I think the standard bolts on the suspension are Grade 8.8 and it's recommended to change to higher grade 9.8 / 10.9 but also to check the torque regularly as once they have any slack are more prone to shear.
