Novacaine's Steel Blue one

[Jon]

Looks like you need some shiny new values

I replaced mine with these recently....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1468510082

[novacaine]

Looks like you need some shiny new values

I replaced mine with these recently....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1468510082

I was thinking of it before I had my tires replaced, a bit late now though

[novacaine]

So my car failed its MOT today

Here is the list of faults:
- offside CV Boot split
- nearside headlamp aim high
- Power steering (steering rack gators) leaking from joint
- Service brake: efficiency below requirements.

Obviously the first two are an easy fix, but the last two are not going to be easy!

Not a clue where to start with the rear brakes. The hand brake is perfect, but low efficiency with the foot brake. The pads and discs are good, so I guess I'll start with bleeding the rears. Other than that I'm not sure what the issue could be. Any suggestions?

The MOTer seems to think I need a new steering rack and pump. But I don't think the pump has any issues, I'm not overly sure how to tell but the steering is smooth and there is not judder at all. As for the rack itself, are can they be reconditioned or am I better off finding a replacement?

Any help will be much appreciated!

[Megwenda]

sorry to hear it failed

re the brakes, are they standard calipers?
Are the sliders siezed?

[dapinky]

Have a read of this thread - it isn't really a great way to *fix* a maintenance issue, but if you've fully bled the system (by taking the callipers off the hubs and rotating them 90 degrees so the piston is uppermost whilst tapping with a small hammer to dislodge any bubbles) - it WILL work to get you through an MOT - you can have as much or as little pressure to the rear wheels as you want/need

*Usual disclaimer* - anything you do to change the system without fully understanding the mechanics/physics of the change is at your own risk

[novacaine]

sorry to hear it failed

re the brakes, are they standard calipers?
Are the sliders siezed?

I don't think they are, but its always worth a check whilst i give them a bleed.

Have a read of this thread - it isn't really a great way to *fix* a maintenance issue, but if you've fully bled the system (by taking the callipers off the hubs and rotating them 90 degrees so the piston is uppermost whilst tapping with a small hammer to dislodge any bubbles) - it WILL work to get you through an MOT - you can have as much or as little pressure to the rear wheels as you want/need

*Usual disclaimer* - anything you do to change the system without fully understanding the mechanics/physics of the change is at your own risk

I found this thread quite interesting when you first posted it. One of my bias valves was found to be leaking in last year MOT, so i wouldn't have been surprised if the other one was leaking this year. Although i kinda wouldn't mind a dodgy valve over the dodgy rack

[cliff]

I don't see why you would need to replace a steering pump for a steering rack leak.

Not an expert on racks, but I had a lot of fluid in the area of the LH gator, turned out to be one of the pipes. The crimped connection where the rubber joins the metal had given up. Unfortunately, I sheared another pipe getting to it and replaced the third due to corrosion. It would be good to find out exactly where it is leaking.

The Elan manual does refer to replacing the seals but it is still a rack out job.

I have been looking around at rack and pump refurbishment, I want as many components overhauled as possible while I have the engine out. I found a few companies like this one.

http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/

If you find a second hand rack, it would be worth having the seals replaced for piece of mind.

Can't help with the brakes, I replaced mine with the PNM upgrade, many experts on here though.

[novacaine]

I'm still not sure what the actual problem with the rack is, I need to have a better look for myself.

The engine is off the steering is heavy as if there is no power steering and when the engine is on the steering is lighter, as if the PAS is slightly working. The hydraulic fluid isn't leaking quickly as there isn't a fluid puddle below the rack.

So not a clue. I'm hoping to get the car to a garage that specializes in steering racks. But I'm struggling to somewhere in close proximity to me.

[Danevansgolf]

If it's a matter of the brakes not holding enough.. Well. I had my mot done a few months back and they said that the back brakes weren't holding as well as they should, prob due to there being no weight on the rear. They said next year, fill the boot with sacks of coal or something with a lot of weight, this then will put more weight on the mot machine and give better brake hold.. Tried and tested by the sounds of it.

. I also have got the same problem with my rack. I sent it away to be refuburbed for a couple of hundred. Seals replaced etc.. I renewed my pipes and the pump is only a year old, car seems the same as before?? As for leaks doesn't sound like it's from the rack.. Good luck

[lotustonybassplayer]

m & p unit 22 pier road gillingham me7 1r2 01634 576654 cant do links they have a web site and list lotus on it might be worth a phone call ?

[epipete]

Here????

http://www.bwhost.co.uk/mps/index.htm

[novacaine]

Cheers guys

I have a few places to ring tomorrow. I rung UK Sports car, they are based in wingham so not far from me and he has said he can do it, but not sure without having a look at the issue. So still no idea on how much this will cost me :/

[novacaine]

Just got a quote from a local Lotus "Specialist"

£275 to recondtion the rack and £57 per hour of labour. Didn't sound to bad until he siad it will take 15hrs

He also recommended replacing all of the pipes at an additional £280

so a possible bill of £1410!


Does this sound a little steep to anyone? I mean MPS said they will recondtion the rack for £228 (including VAT), just I would have to remove the rack and refit it myself.

[dapinky]

Sounds steep to me!

The Service Times list states 4.5 hours to replace a PAS rack.

The Workshop Manual procedure looks fairly straightforward, the worst bit is partial dismantling of suspension to give it room to come out (Prongeron and loosen one raft).

Again, the procedure for replacing all the seals is comprehensively explained, and whilst it looks 'specific' in what order you need to do things, it doesn't look difficult.

(basically, I'd do it myself - but if it is beyond what you're happy with, then try another garage, or at least get them to explain where their timings come from).

The high pressure pipes can be re-made easily (just like brake pipes) and I'd swap them to make life easier with the removal - it's easier to cut the copper pipe and do the fittings on the bench.

Maybe a compromise - take the rack out and get someone else to re-build it?

[Rusty Wishbone]

Maidstone Sports Cars might be worth a call.

[novacaine]

Maidstone Sports Cars might be worth a call.

I did try them, but they guys that does the quotes is away apparently, so they are not able to give any quotes until next week

[novacaine]

Sounds steep to me!

The Service Times list states 4.5 hours to replace a PAS rack.

The Workshop Manual procedure looks fairly straightforward, the worst bit is partial dismantling of suspension to give it room to come out (Prongeron and loosen one raft).

Again, the procedure for replacing all the seals is comprehensively explained, and whilst it looks 'specific' in what order you need to do things, it doesn't look difficult.

(basically, I'd do it myself - but if it is beyond what you're happy with, then try another garage, or at least get them to explain where their timings come from).

The high pressure pipes can be re-made easily (just like brake pipes) and I'd swap them to make life easier with the removal - it's easier to cut the copper pipe and do the fittings on the bench.

Maybe a compromise - take the rack out and get someone else to re-build it?

I was going to do it myself, but I am only amateur when it comes to mechanics and I'm not overly happy with doing this on stilts in my front garden.


Just had another quote from Rose's in Sandwich, they are classic car specialists. They have given a much more realistic quote for £400-550 +VAT including a MOT after the repair. Only problem is I would have to leave the car with them for a week.

So I think I will take their offer.

[TrevorB]

Hope all goes well Jon, but I would be interested on MSC's quote as they are who I use for my repairs and MOT.
So if you can still give them a call to see what they say I would be interested.

Trevor

[novacaine]

Hope all goes well Jon, but I would be interested on MSC's quote as they are who I use for my repairs and MOT.
So if you can still give them a call to see what they say I would be interested.

Trevor

I've asked them for a quote, but not sure when I will get it as their "quote guy" is on holiday

[novacaine]

So I left my Car with Rose's today, feels as though I've left a family member at the hospital! Hopefully i will have a call by the end of the weeks say all is ok.

While I was there I got to have a look around the garage, I have to say they have an impressive array of cars they are currently working on. The highlight for me was the 1986 williams F1 car.