power steering pump

[007Elan]

Good day,

I am new on this forum. Just received my Elan M100 3 days ago from the States (I am from Montreal, Canada). However
I need to replace my power steering pump (before inspection)

Where can I get one and can I trust any mechanic to do it?

[Rambo]

Hi and welcome to LEC

Speak nicely to Britcarnut John in the States and he might have one kicking around in his vast spares store which he might sell to you

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=2420

Incidentally, why do you need one ? What are your symptoms ? If its the box of hissing snakes on full lock then that's normal

[007Elan]

Hi there

When I purchased the car I was informed that PSP needed to be change. When it arrived and drove it... It took all the strenght to turn the wheel one side or another...

[Kipperozzy]

Hi, 007elan, it could be the universal joint on the lower steering column that’s seized, there is a lot of information in the forum on how to help diagnose the issue, also source and replace it if it is that. If the car has not been used recently and especially if it’s been exposed to salt as it’s outside in the engine bay .

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I agree that the U-Joint will cause hard steering.

I have been able to turn my steering without a LOT of effort when the engine isn't running.

Maybe you should raise the front of the car to get the front wheels off the ground and see if the steering is still difficult.

I have a couple of used pumps if you are sure that is what you need. They are the same as the pump use on the GEO Storm.

[007Elan]

Thank you so much guys for the informations. We did a PPI and they said that the pump had to be replaced as well as the lower radiator hose (there were couple of other few less major things).. now I'm starting to get worry because I have less than 25 days to inspect the car (both for the registration and insurance matters). It looks also that the paint has some defects (looks like bubbling in form of lines or dot) on the hood and the roof trunk area. I've tried to uploads pics whole wknd, so I can get owners opinion on the paint, but wasn't able to do so, despite of some explantations of some members.

Hopefully this experience dosent turn into a sad/bad one .. I am the owner of a beautiful and original S2K AP1 but wanted that Lotus because of all the heritage of the brand (James Bond, Jim Clark, Chapman etc...)

Can you send me your email, I can't really find it.

Thank you for your help!

[dapinky]

It is pretty much impossible to guess at the paintwork issues without seeing either the car or a good photograph.

What I can say is that some cars have an issue where the laquer starts to delaminate from the base colour (it seems mainly to affect Pacific Blue cars, but also a fair few BRG and the odd red one.... so no colour is exempt) - this looks like white 'scabs' which extend over time.... the only remedy is to mechanically remove the laquer and re-paint.

Also, when you say about 'lines' on the hood and roof stowage area (or as we would say, bonnet and hood stowage area!).... this is a phenomenon of nearly all Elans, and as long as the lines follow the shape of the strengthening 'bars' on the underside of the casing, then is something which you just have to live with.

No-one has ever given a reliable answer as to why the lines show up (or not), but the most plausible reason appears to be to do with expansion and shrinkage due to heat (engine or sunshine) which happens at different rates depending on the thickness of the fibreglass.

[Rambo]

Can you send me your email, I can't really find it

Tap on Britcarnut above and you will be able to see his e mail address, PM and web details

[NewLogik]

I might be able to help as well, depending on where you located in Montreal, I'm from Repentigny (east end). It's nice to see another fellow Elan owner arround. I have a car lift as well if required to take a look underneath the car. As for taking cares of the PSP or any other related issues, let me know I can help you too with this. I've imported my current Elan last spring from US as well.

Thanks,

[Brit-Car-Nut]

How did you fare with the DRL requirement? I didn't hear anything else, so figured you got it handled.

I have a PS pump and can help with your pictures.

Just right click on the envelope in the panel on the left of my post and copy it to your clipboard and then paste it into an email.

Sorry, I didn't hear any more, so figured you were OK.