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tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:45 pm
by ensign42
All-
Fast question. I have an S2 with standard fenders and no mods to the front end. It has standard wheels. Tires are Vredestein Sprint+ T80 145R13 74T
Radial steel tubeless TW1 Treadwell 250 traction A temperature B (direct from side wall). It rubs and has caused slight damage to the front fenders when turning. The P.O. claimed front shocks and springs to be newer (less than 10k). Before I dig too deeply (I have a NOS lotus unplated chassis waiting for pickup later this month)- can anyone confirm this is the right tire, and the problem lies elsewhere.

Thanks!

Will

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Sat Mar 15, 2014 8:39 pm
by elancoupe
145 tires should not rub on a bone stock car. Perhaps these new shocks have adjustable ride height, and are set too low.

Also, the front springs could be too short.

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:05 am
by alan
is the spacer missing in the steering rack or has someone fitted elan +2 hubs :?:

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 3:53 pm
by Galwaylotus
I had something similar on my S3 and found the rubber bushing at the top of the damper had collapsed. Check the condition of all your bushings.

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 4:06 pm
by ensign42
I can't seem to attach any pictures from my phone, but as soon as I get home I will fire up the computer and send some images.

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:42 pm
by TroonSprint
When I opened up the rack on my Sprint I found that the long spacer was missing. That would certainly cause tyre rubbing. I had some suitable tubing and made one up.
Mike

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 12:12 am
by ensign42
please see attached pictures

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 12:14 am
by ensign42
So these are some photos I have, please let me know if anything stands out specifically.

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:59 am
by rgh0
The top rubbers mounting the spring shock unit appear to need replacing which may be contributing to a lower ride height and making the problem worse. Also your steering rack bellows appears torn ?

Even with the standard wheels and tires, the tire will hit the fender outer lip at the top in the position where you have damage if you use a lot of opposite lock when cornering hard or when turning into steep drive way i.e. any action that pushes the wheel up to full bump when it is turned out at the front will cause contact with the fender- this is "normal" :roll:

cheers
Rohan

Re: tires contacting fender

PostPosted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 11:05 am
by alan
maybe worn metalastic bushes in suspension arms :wink: