Quick Ratio Steering Rack

[ecarfan]

Do you have really strong arms? (To be able to turn in parking lots...) I assume still unassisted steering.

Mods I suggest these posts about the quick ratio steering rack be split into a separate thread. [Done --TEG]

I am pretty strong and it certainly takes some effort to maneuver the Roadster below 3-4mph. My wife was shocked at how difficult it was for her but she is 5'2" 110 lbs.

Sounds like a cool modification but I would want to test it out before making the investment. I wonder how it would effect driving on the freeway, as a very small movement of the wheel could have large consequences.

 

[andybm3]

Now you've got my full attention. Where did you buy this?

Hurricane Steering QuickRack (Elise, Exige, 340R, Speedster) [SRTQ] - 442.00 : Elise Shop, Performance parts for your Lotus Elise

 

[m0rph]

**Note: I would not touch the camber or steering rack unless you have the adjustable sport suspension or the Nitron upgrade. Otherwise the stock suspension is way too sloppy and these modifications will plant traction more to the front too quickly and the rear shocks/suspension will uncompress/rebound too quickly in the right conditions resulting in the back to spin out that will be impossible to catch or control.

Good advise here.. So a suspension upgrade will be necessary as well.
The problem with the Nitron upgrade is that it needs service every 15k miles, which is like every 4 months in my case

 

[m0rph]

As I developed the "little cluncks in the steering", I recently ordered the Hurricane QR. After reading more Lotus forums, I will now also order new track rod ends and universal joints. Maybe also new bushes alle around. I'm not confident to do this work myself, but someone gave me the details of a good local Lotus specialist.

 

[wiztecy]

As I developed the "little cluncks in the steering", I recently ordered the Hurricane QR. After reading more Lotus forums, I will now also order new track rod ends and universal joints. Maybe also new bushes alle around. I'm not confident to do this work myself, but someone gave me the details of a good local Lotus specialist.

m0rph, did you try to troubleshoot any of it before you made the order? The clunks sound a little odd. Can you describe it more in detail? Also I clicked on the UJ link you posted and it has a quick troubleshooting list on the side of the page to help narrow down what the root issue may be. I believe the clunky/loose steering rack issues reported in Lotus forums were on the older steering racks, but I verified the stock rack on my 1.5 was indeed the newer steering rack where Lotus addressed the issue. You should have the same rack too.

How many miles do you have on your Roadster? I'm asking since the Lotus tie rod ends hold up very well. But if you have extensive miles with extensive wear and tear, normal use will take its toll on any part especially in harsher conditions. Each of these components can be tested individually to find out where the problem really is.

Possibly your take is that since you have one issue developing to upgrade other components while your in there for good measure. I'm like that too where I evaluate tearing back into things as well as the advantages and improvements with the upgrades and replacement of old OEM hardware.

 

[m0rph]

Yes I troubleshooted the problem. Someone gently moved the steering wheel while the left front wheel was off. It's clear that the sound comes from where the UJs are located. About the rack, yes I bought it knowing it might not be the main problem. Same for the bushes. It's just good time for a bit of a refresh/upgrade, I feel the car is not as sharp as it's used to be. My 2012 2.5 is now just over 50k miles, mainly highway.

 

[wiztecy]

Gotcha. Let me know how those spherical bearings work out, they appear less expensive than the Nitrons and even the Sector111 versions. Curious the difference in quality and performance. If you have any questions about the quickrack feel free to hit me up.