19 replies to this topic

[Krusty]

Replaced toe link on drivers side as It was knocking bad, now have a squeak from passenger side, do the toe links speak before they fail? Only does it when engine is warm

[fezzasus]

I would say its a safe bet that the other side needs replacing, they are experiencing the same conditions so will be comparably knackered.

[fezzasus]

You should be able to spray some wd40 on the ball joints to kill the squeak - not a long term solution but will act as a diagnosis.

[Krusty]

Should have said the passenger side has already been replaced at some stage, not by me, car has done 70k

[fezzasus]

Should have said the passenger side has already been replaced at some stage, not by me, car has done 70k

Hmm. Hard to say, my toe links managed 70k before I replaced both, although they both clearly needed doing. There's so many sources of squeaking though, could well be a ball joint.

[Captain Vimes]

Out of interest, where did you get your toe link from? Autovaux seem to be out of stock. Thanks

[fezzasus]

Out of interest, where did you get your toe link from? Autovaux seem to be out of stock.

Thanks

Only of the NA ones. I think they've still got the turbo ones.

[Captain Vimes]

I didn't realise NA/turbo toe links were different but can't find either on autovaux. EliseParts seem expensive for OEM style links so was wondering if there was another source? Krusty - Given the consequence of a toe link failing, if there's any doubt it's probably worth replacing.

[rob999]

Tried Dave @ Seriously Lotus?

Edited by rob999, 08 March 2013 - 11:27 PM.

[fezzasus]

I didn't realise NA/turbo toe links were different but can't find either on autovaux. EliseParts seem expensive for OEM style links so was wondering if there was another source?


Krusty - Given the consequence of a toe link failing, if there's any doubt it's probably worth replacing.

I did some man maths and got the elise shop uprated ones. Last time I checked the autovaux ones were 70 + VAT each, so call that £168. The uprated ones were £245 inc VAT so only a £80 difference. The way I see it that £80 will be regained in a couple of years where I just need to change the ends at £40 each.

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

I didn't realise NA/turbo toe links were different but can't find either on autovaux. EliseParts seem expensive for OEM style links so was wondering if there was another source?


Krusty - Given the consequence of a toe link failing, if there's any doubt it's probably worth replacing.

The Uprated ones are the ones you want because you have 888's also HCB might need replacing.. Elise shop or parts have very similar kits and only a bit more expensive then standared

[Captain Vimes]

I'm trying to avoid that slippery slope of expensive modifications but seem to be losing the battle at the moment, however I can't deny the man maths... Krusty - sorry for thread hijack. P.s. Have HCBs in the garage waiting to go on the car already. Man maths again.

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

Toe links are running costs and not mods IMO they are essential. Standard toe links are no longer avalible as far as I am aware.. Just the ends but at 50 odd a pop once you have added up 4 and your at over 200 the Uprated ones are about 250 anyway so around 30/40 more expensive. When you look at the difference between the two the standared and the Uprated they are worth it. And breath! Mmmm man maths

[fezzasus]

Stuwy's right. Plus an extra £80 outlay for a set of toe links is much cheaper than writing your car off, some examples to put fear in you: http://www.vx220.org...bites-the-dust/ http://www.vx220.org...d-bridgestones/

Edited by fezzasus, 09 March 2013 - 10:15 AM.

[kingwowns]

I've got a brand new rear toe link for sale, and an outboard toe link ball joint if anyone needs one... http://www.vx220.org...c-toe-link-rod/

[mbes2]

Reasons for changing them...... Mine snapped while round clearways at Brands..... hello kitty litter...

Old Vs New

See a few snap while on the roads, hello Kerb...

[Captain Vimes]

Thanks all. Been reading into this a bit and found the thread below really useful to understand the pros and cons of standard vs uprated from an engineering point of view: http://www.lotustalk...-failure-33177/ Thought I'd share it in case others were interested, but my quick summary is: Standard links are designed to fail in a crash to minimise chassis damage. Failure like above is likely caused by incorrect bolt tension (too loose or too tight) - replacing periodically and torquing correctly should avoid this. However, on track with sticky tyres the standard links can fail due to the significant increase in force exerted on the joint. Moving to uprated links for track work removes the failure point but also removes the chassis protection - meaning that sliding into a curb in the snow could bend the chassis... So the question isn't really about which is better but what you intend to use the car for and what tyres you run. Personaly I really need to decide whether I'm going to keep the car on 888's or go to a more road based tyre. Either way I now intend to replace both rear toe links and torque them carefully...

[mbes2]

The photo I added shows the wheel hub side snapped.... I track my car with AD08's fitted. That happened while hard cornering

[Pidgeon]

Reasons for changing them...... Mine snapped while round clearways at Brands..... hello kitty litter...

Old Vs New

See a few snap while on the roads, hello Kerb...

Have you had any trouble with that set up? There's still play in mine despite several refits.

[siztenboots]

The photo I added shows the wheel hub side snapped.... I track my car with AD08's fitted.

That happened while hard cornering

how often do people check the nut for tightness , at a minimum everytime you have the brake disc off