Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Has anyone experienced scary handling on grooved roads? I have a new set of Kuhmo Solus 155/60 13 tires on a fresh restoration and when I get on the grooved concrete the car goes nuts. I have never had a car do this. I am playing with tire pressures and MAY be helping it. Please advise if you have had this problem. Regards, Larry

Check hubs are tight as described in workshop manual. They can get a little loose with newly installed bearings.
Its a good idea to check them pretty often.
James

Hi James, Thanks for the guidance. Everything is tight on a mild check. I was hoping to get 250 miles on it before doing a full retorque. My tire pressure changes did nothing. I have sent a e-mail to Kumho and hope they have some ideas but i fear they will laugh at running this tire on a Lotus! Regards, Larry

Check the front wheel toe setting, with the equivalent weight of two people on board.

Hi Rob, I failed to mention that the car is stable as can be on asphalt and non-grooved concrete. There is no "flop" to the steering. The toe was set when the car was assembled, about 200 miles ago. I do appreciate any and all ideas. Regards, Larry

I chased handling problems for a while, different tyres etc, before figuring out that my relatively recently rebuilt steering universal joint had rapidly developed some slop.

I wasn't expecting it as when initially rebuilt it was fine for 10 years.
Second time, using the same techniques and materials, about 2 years.

Had very "uneasy", "squirrelly" handling that I imagine would have been even worse on a unusual surface.

A few years ago I replaced my ancient Michelin tires with Kuhmo KR21s, and found the same squirrel-ly ride you mention on I-15 here in san diego, I suffered for a few years and just put kuhmo TA11's on ( all 155-13s) and the problem went away.. KR21s seem fine on pavement, but not on concrete w/grooves..

Hello stovekjj. Thanks for the info. It sounds like I have found my answer and at $161.32 a set I can try them out!!
BTW, I drive I-15 also only in Utah! I was getting depressed and I feel great now. Regards, Larry

The Kumho Solus have extremely thin flexible side walls. I had a set on a Sprite and couldn't stand them. Also was wondering if the little fuzzy nubs that come on new tires are worn off yet.....they can put you all over the road and make the slightest load in a corner very scary.

Kurt.

Thanks Kurt. The nubs are gone and it drives great on asphalt. I think I'll try the TA11 Komhos. Regards, Larry