Squeeky Power steering belt

[Richy B]

Usually when under load ie. slow manouvering

Does the belt just need adjusting or is it signs of wear

TIA

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Deffo needs adjusting...but could be worn too.

Adjust first but if frayed then deffo replace.

The cold weather makes them squeal as does moisture if adjustment is marginal. Also in winter the alternator works harder from start-up as the battery is cold, so the voltage is low, and asks for a big charge which means more torque needed to turn the alternator pulley and if the belt adjustment is marginal it slips and squeals!

[Richy B]

Thanks Peter, will consult my manual, working in -5 is fun...not!

[MrCoolA]

if it continues to squeak spray on hairspray

[Richy B]

Thanks, the wife does not use hairspray however, building up to a car on ramps moment, belt is quite slack, I would say more than the 12mm movement it states in the manual so might give it a fettle this weekend weather permitting.

[bash]

On mine the groove in the aluminium bottom pulley had worn from a 'V' to a 'U' so I had to replace it eventually. as soon as I did it cured the changing the belt every 6 weeks routine.

Bash

[MrCoolA]

one of the mounts on the pump failed on mine, so that meant mine squeaked, but got it weld repared and good as new, although i did have to retighten after a few months

[Richy B]

Oh no!

one of the gaiters have now split and is leaking oil

I am guessing thats an MOT fail at least, and will probably need a new rack

When it rains it pours in Excel land!!

[kent_racer]

Which rack it is from ?
Isn't it a Ford unit ?

[MrCoolA]

Cosworth i think IIRC

[Richy B]

Could it be a modified Ford unit with variable rate, Lotus bits stock the right one as part ex or out right

Any one know a good/ recommended Lotus Garage or some one in Newcastle / North East capable of fitting one??

TIA

[amarshall]

Could it be a modified Ford unit with variable rate, Lotus bits stock the right one as part ex or out right

Any one know a good/ recommended Lotus Garage or some one in Newcastle / North East capable of fitting one??

TIA

Track Torque got my old one refurbished and refitted while the engine was out for the rebuild a couple of years ago.

[Richy B]

Sounds like the place to go, Pure Lotus are ok but based in Wetherby and have never fettled in Excelness much

Thanks!

[amarshall]

Sounds like the place to go, Pure Lotus are ok but based in Wetherby and have never fettled in Excelness much

Thanks!

Mention my name, and after Craig has finished using bad language, there might be a discount in it too. He's had a lot of Excel experience - not all good - thanks to me

[KevW]

There's Revline at Whitley Bay too. Colin replaced my clutch for a reasonable price and loaned me his M100 while he did it. His premises are not flash but being a Lotus enthusiast he knows his way around the old models like the Excel.

He is also now doing stainless steel exhausts .