S1 Strange Rattling Noise from front passenger side?

[Bert1]

Hi all,

My 2000 S1, 12k miles has developed a clicking/rattling noise from the front passenger side.

Is this the suspension gone? Is it easily fixed? Is it safe to drive?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Cheers.

[Rich H]

Get your passenger to empty their pockets...

Are you still on Konis? Has the ride got progressively more crashy? It could be a damper on its way out or any number of suspention items. Or it could be nothing.

Can you reproduce the noise while stationary? If so get someone to look it over while it's clicking rattling and see if there is anything obvious. The suspention is simple enough and woun't just fall apart as long as all the major bolts are in.

If you haven't noticed a change in the car other than the noise I wouldn't be overly concerned. The car is so direct anything major highlights itself very quickly.

Things to check:

All the bolts and nuts are fitted and tight (Wishbones, dampers, anti roll bar, wheelnuts)
Jack up the passenger side and try to twist the wheel up/down and left/right to check for ball joint wear and steering rack wear there should be no movement.
put a lever (I use the jack handle) under the wheel and lever the wheel up against the suspension there should be no clonks or play.
Pull the wheel in and out to check the wheel bearing, again there should be almost zero movement.
Check the tyres for rocks/nails etc.

See if you find anything

[robin]

Hi all,

My 2000 S1, 12k miles has developed a clicking/rattling noise from the front passenger side.

Is this the suspension gone? Is it easily fixed? Is it safe to drive?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Cheers.

Does the noise go away if you hold your foot on the brakes?

Without hearing it, who knows. The standard suspension is quite noisy, though you would be familiar with that noise. You really need to jack up the car and check there isn't any play in the wheel bearing/balljoints/bushes/track rod end/steering rack ... not hard to do, but if you've never done it, best get someone who has to show you what's what ...

Robin

[Rich H]

Oh and hello!

[r10crw]

I had areally annoying rattle from the passenger side which also sounded to come from the front, turned out to be the door locking pin just needing an adjustment. Its nice easy fix. Richard I didnt know you had a s1 landy, ive got one in the shed im considering restoring just aint had time.

[Bert1]

Ill have a good look over when at the weekend - I was expecting noises/rattles but this was more of a concern

Its still got the original Konis on but I am considering changing - any thoughts on whether to go for the eliseparts Bilstein kit or is there another option?

Great little motor so far though

[Rich H]

The suspension options are generally:

Koni OEM bollocks
Eibach/Bilsten S2 setup better ride buy from Steve Butts on SELOC
Lotus Sport Suspension (LSS)
Nitron 1/2/3 way adjustables

Other options

Leida
Spax
Gaz
Ohlins
+others


I have S2 setup at 110/120 ride height and its a massive improvement over the konis.

My S1 landie is sitting awaiting a fuel tank still, it's been like that for years now...

Had to move it the other day, been laid up (ie abandoned) for about a year, feresh battery and the bloody thing started first time in one revolution! 45 thundering horses!