QUESTION
The steering is incredibly heavy on the Esprit and I found , but have now lost,the 'Forum' page stating it would probably be just a steering column Uni Joint, as that seems quite common.
Do you have - or can you get these?
Is there an upper and lower??
Until I grab my manual or re-find it online, I'll ask you!
M.W. - Palmdale, New South Wales, Australia
ANSWER
Lotus Marques can supply both upper and lower steering column universal joints.
It is well known and documented that Lotus Esprit steering can feel heavy under certain conditions.
The heavy steering characteristic is very apparent on any Lotus Esprit fitted with a manual rack when parking and at slow speed.
This is quite normal but there maybe other components that might be worn or faulty that will contrbute to a steering wheel that is difficult to turn.
A logical approach to trouble-shooting steering related problems is recommended as there are a number of components that influence the drivers experience at the steering wheel .
1) Size of wheels and tyres installed (ultimately determines of tyre contact surface area)
From experience, there is a trend to increase wheel and tyre width on any Esprit and this will increase the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel.
Altering the wheel and tyre combination can have a significant effect on ride quality, handling, and what the driver experiences through the steering wheel.
2) Tyre pressures
Tyre pressures have a profound effect on rolling resistance and how any Lotus Esprit handles.
For example a soft or flat tyre makes it a difficult task to move a Lotus Esprit.
Modern tyres have a much higher recommended operating pressure compared to the original equipment.
Using the pressures recommended by Lotus when your Esprit was first manufactured, will most likely result in a pressure that will be too low and heavy steering will result.
3) Tyre compound - hard or soft
Different compounds also influence the rolling resistance of any given tyre.
For example, tyres with are harder compound generally have a lower rolling resistance and last longer.
4) Smaller after-market steering wheel has been fitted
Replacing a 14" steering wheel with a 13" steering wheel to provide easier entry/exit to the vehicle will make a noticeable increase in force required to move the road wheels.
5) Steering column bearing condition
From experience gained in our workshop, it has been necessary to remove the occasional column to straighten the shaft and to replace worn bearings.
Investigations have shown that this type of problem has not been the result of accidental damage, but caused by drivers levering themselves in and out of an Esprit while grasping the steering wheel. Whilst this is an usual problem it does make the steering wheel difficult to turn.
6) Steering column universal joint condition
There is an upper and lower universal joint that connect the Lotus Esprit steering column to the rack.
The lower universal joint is exposed to road surface water and therefore prone to corrosion.
When the lower joint is badly corroded and worn, this can inhibit the steering wheel from being turned smoothly.
It has also been noted the lower universal joint pinch bolts are often found to be not fully tightened and may work themselves loose.
To prevent this, whenever the universal joints are changed the nyloc nuts on the pinch bolts should be changed and then tightened to the correct torque.
To check for free-play in the steering universal joints a simple check should be carried out.
This can be done by standing out side the vehicle with the window wound down, reach inside the cabin then turn the steering wheel and the road wheel should move instantly. Any free-play should be investigated as it indicates component wear.
7) Steering column universal joint installed and phased correctly
It is very important that the steering column universal joints be phased correctly otherwise the rotational resistance changes from hard to soft and back again as the steering wheel is turned.
Being able to install the universal joints in the correct position commences with the the pedal box being located in the correct position (as the steering column is fastened to it).
On one Lotus Esprit recently imported to Australia, it was noticed the pedal box and/or steering column were too far forward, the lower universal joint pinch bolt made mechanical contact with the chassis. (see photograph below)
This Esprit had received a new galvanised chassis in the UK but the necessary checks had not been carried out.
Unfortunately there was no scope to move the joints upwards to their correct positions to alleviate the problem so an alternative solution had to be found.
Despite this particular Esprit having undergone a recent Road Worthy Inspection, a closer inspection by Lotus Marques revealed the lower steering universal joint and its pinch bolt making contact with the chassis. This was one of a number of safety issues that were discovered and had to be resolved before the new owner could drive his Lotus Esprit from Melbourne to Perth.
To view a page below in more detail simply click on it, and it will automatically enlarge.
To view its full size, click on the "screen maximise symbol" in the pop-up control table at the bottom of the page.
8) Service condition of steering rack
Steering racks are often over-looked when it comes to regular maintenance.
It is recommended the rubber gaiters be periodically pulled back so the rack and inner ball joints can be lubricated.
Having a steering rack that is adequately lubricated assists in a smooth operating action.
Eventually every Lotus Esprit steering rack will exhibit signs of wear which may include worn inner ball joints, pinion gear and pinion gear bearings.
Even though there are no proprietary service replacement parts available, Lotus Marques can rebuild your steering rack.
As a part of rebuilding any Lotus Esprit steering rack, it is possible to upgrade the original pinion gear bearings to a superior taper roller bearing that provides a longer service life and a noticeably smoother operation.
For more information regarding the steering rack rebuild service offered by Lotus Marques, read the technical information sheet on this web site.
9) Poorly manufactured steering rack
From experience gained in the Lotus Marques workshop, one particular Lotus Esprit had exceptionally heavy steering when being parked.
When this problem was investigated, it was discovered the rack and the pinion were both poorly manufactured.
The rack was fully dismantled to allow the pinion and rack teeth to be detailed and carefully polished so a smooth action resulted.
This is an unusual problem but illustrates that on occasions manufacturing problems do occur and can go undetected during the original assembly process.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
The steering is incredibly heavy on the Esprit and I found , but have now lost,the 'Forum' page stating it would probably be just a steering column Uni Joint, as that seems quite common.
Do you have - or can you get these?
Is there an upper and lower??
Until I grab my manual or re-find it online, I'll ask you!
M.W. - Palmdale, New South Wales, Australia
ANSWER
Lotus Marques can supply both upper and lower steering column universal joints.
It is well known and documented that Lotus Esprit steering can feel heavy under certain conditions.
The heavy steering characteristic is very apparent on any Lotus Esprit fitted with a manual rack when parking and at slow speed.
This is quite normal but there maybe other components that might be worn or faulty that will contrbute to a steering wheel that is difficult to turn.
A logical approach to trouble-shooting steering related problems is recommended as there are a number of components that influence the drivers experience at the steering wheel .
1) Size of wheels and tyres installed (ultimately determines of tyre contact surface area)
From experience, there is a trend to increase wheel and tyre width on any Esprit and this will increase the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel.
Altering the wheel and tyre combination can have a significant effect on ride quality, handling, and what the driver experiences through the steering wheel.
2) Tyre pressures
Tyre pressures have a profound effect on rolling resistance and how any Lotus Esprit handles.
For example a soft or flat tyre makes it a difficult task to move a Lotus Esprit.
Modern tyres have a much higher recommended operating pressure compared to the original equipment.
Using the pressures recommended by Lotus when your Esprit was first manufactured, will most likely result in a pressure that will be too low and heavy steering will result.
3) Tyre compound - hard or soft
Different compounds also influence the rolling resistance of any given tyre.
For example, tyres with are harder compound generally have a lower rolling resistance and last longer.
4) Smaller after-market steering wheel has been fitted
Replacing a 14" steering wheel with a 13" steering wheel to provide easier entry/exit to the vehicle will make a noticeable increase in force required to move the road wheels.
5) Steering column bearing condition
From experience gained in our workshop, it has been necessary to remove the occasional column to straighten the shaft and to replace worn bearings.
Investigations have shown that this type of problem has not been the result of accidental damage, but caused by drivers levering themselves in and out of an Esprit while grasping the steering wheel. Whilst this is an usual problem it does make the steering wheel difficult to turn.
6) Steering column universal joint condition
There is an upper and lower universal joint that connect the Lotus Esprit steering column to the rack.
The lower universal joint is exposed to road surface water and therefore prone to corrosion.
When the lower joint is badly corroded and worn, this can inhibit the steering wheel from being turned smoothly.
It has also been noted the lower universal joint pinch bolts are often found to be not fully tightened and may work themselves loose.
To prevent this, whenever the universal joints are changed the nyloc nuts on the pinch bolts should be changed and then tightened to the correct torque.
To check for free-play in the steering universal joints a simple check should be carried out.
This can be done by standing out side the vehicle with the window wound down, reach inside the cabin then turn the steering wheel and the road wheel should move instantly. Any free-play should be investigated as it indicates component wear.
7) Steering column universal joint installed and phased correctly
It is very important that the steering column universal joints be phased correctly otherwise the rotational resistance changes from hard to soft and back again as the steering wheel is turned.
Being able to install the universal joints in the correct position commences with the the pedal box being located in the correct position (as the steering column is fastened to it).
On one Lotus Esprit recently imported to Australia, it was noticed the pedal box and/or steering column were too far forward, the lower universal joint pinch bolt made mechanical contact with the chassis. (see photograph below)
This Esprit had received a new galvanised chassis in the UK but the necessary checks had not been carried out.
Unfortunately there was no scope to move the joints upwards to their correct positions to alleviate the problem so an alternative solution had to be found.
Despite this particular Esprit having undergone a recent Road Worthy Inspection, a closer inspection by Lotus Marques revealed the lower steering universal joint and its pinch bolt making contact with the chassis. This was one of a number of safety issues that were discovered and had to be resolved before the new owner could drive his Lotus Esprit from Melbourne to Perth.
To view a page below in more detail simply click on it, and it will automatically enlarge.
To view its full size, click on the "screen maximise symbol" in the pop-up control table at the bottom of the page.
8) Service condition of steering rack
Steering racks are often over-looked when it comes to regular maintenance.
It is recommended the rubber gaiters be periodically pulled back so the rack and inner ball joints can be lubricated.
Having a steering rack that is adequately lubricated assists in a smooth operating action.
Eventually every Lotus Esprit steering rack will exhibit signs of wear which may include worn inner ball joints, pinion gear and pinion gear bearings.
Even though there are no proprietary service replacement parts available, Lotus Marques can rebuild your steering rack.
As a part of rebuilding any Lotus Esprit steering rack, it is possible to upgrade the original pinion gear bearings to a superior taper roller bearing that provides a longer service life and a noticeably smoother operation.
For more information regarding the steering rack rebuild service offered by Lotus Marques, read the technical information sheet on this web site.
9) Poorly manufactured steering rack
From experience gained in the Lotus Marques workshop, one particular Lotus Esprit had exceptionally heavy steering when being parked.
When this problem was investigated, it was discovered the rack and the pinion were both poorly manufactured.
The rack was fully dismantled to allow the pinion and rack teeth to be detailed and carefully polished so a smooth action resulted.
This is an unusual problem but illustrates that on occasions manufacturing problems do occur and can go undetected during the original assembly process.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques