Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 227

Lotus Service Notes
GH.1 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The single piece, light alloy roadwheels are factory fitted with tyres engineered to provide the optimum
balance of ride and handling characteristics. In order fully to exploit the dynamic qualities and packaging
opportunities, the wheel and tyre sizes are different front and rear, so that interchanging of wheels and tyres
between axles is not permissible. Note that the tyre tread pattern of both tyre types is directional, and must be
fitted on the wheel with sidewall arrow pointing in the direction of forward rotation.
The tyres should be inspected frequently by the vehicle user, and also at every service, for signs of cuts,
abrasions or other damage, and for any uneven tread wear patterns. Uneven treadwear may indicate that the
suspension geometry or dampers require attention. Care should be taken when parking to avoid tyre contact
with high or sharp edged kerbs, as mistreatment of this nature can cause internal damage to the tyre structure
which may not readily be apparent. The alloy wheel rims may also be distorted or damaged by careless park-
ing, and result in wheel imbalance or loss of tyre pressure. Safety considerations should always be paramount
when assessing tyre condition and serviceability, and the tyres replaced if any doubt exists, or if the legal tread
depth limits are approached.
The cold tyre pressures should be checked every week, or every 1,000 miles (1,700 km), whichever is the
sooner, and corrections made as necessary. Under-inflation will cause excessive wear, rapid deterioration of
the tyre sidewalls and heavy steering, whereas overinflation results in a hard ride and increased susceptibility
to tyre damage. Both conditions will cause a degradation in the vehicle handling qualities. It is important that
the tyre pressures are adjusted only when the tyres are cold (driven less than one mile), as the pressures may
increase by 0.3 - 0.5 bar (4 - 8 lb/in²) when the tyres are warmed to normal running temperature. The tyre
valve dust cap should always be replaced in order to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture into the valve,
which could cause leakage.
When balancing the wheel and tyre assemblies, the wheels should be located by the centre spigot - NOT
by the wheel bolt holes. In order to maintain the correct handling feel and minimum steering wheel shake, it is
very important that the radial and lateral run out of the tyres are to the high standard required by Lotus Cars.
If any difficulty is experienced with replacement tyres, refer to the tyre manufacturer.
The Bridgestone Potenza, Yokohama AD07 or Yokohama A048 tyres fitted to the Elise are suitable for all
normal weather conditions, but are optimised for dry road sports driving. The tyre characteristics include good
feedback ('feel') from the road surface to the steering wheel, a high level of steering linearity and response,
and little performance degradation with the high temperatures which may be reached on track. However, tyre
performance will decrease at low ambient temperatures, resulting in reduced levels of grip and an increased
susceptibility to damage from impacts. In these conditions, especially below 15°F (-10°C), it is recommended
to fit a vehicle set of the recommended winter tyres (see below).
GH.2 - WHEELS
Elise: Standard wheels on the Elise 111R and Elise for North America, are the same style and rim sizes as
used on the Rover powertrain Elise 111S; Cast alloy 8-spoke in 'high power' silver, 5.5Jx16 and 7.5Jx17. The
rear wheels of Toyota powertrain cars however have a greater inset (38mm vs. 17.75mm) to compensate for the
suspension pick up points having been moved further outboard. In addition, the wheels have been tested and
approved to a higher load rating, and whereas Rover powertrain cars may use the later 'B' level front wheels,
no Toyota powertrain model should be fitted with the earlier type 'A' level front wheel. For identification, refer
to the 'max. load' rating marked on the inside of a wheel spoke: 'A' level = 230 kg; 'B' level = 255kg.
Exige: These models use unique, black finished wheels featuring 8 Y-spokes, and are fitted with wider, 6.5J
front wheel rims to accommodate the wider A048 front tyres.
Option: Optional wheels include unique a lightweight forged alloy, 7split-spoke design, using the wider front rim
size. These wheels are available in either painted or natural anodised finishes, but it is important to be aware
that the natural anodised surface finish may be attacked by some proprietary wheel cleaning products. Wash
only using hot soapy water or car bodywork shampoo. Advise tyre fitting companies accordingly. From '06 M.Y.
these forged wheels were also made available in a 6.0J front size to allow the use of standard tyre sets with
175 width front tyres, as well as accommodating the 195 section A048s. Colours and finishes of road wheels
are subject to marketing factors and may differ from the above.
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Section GH