Elise suspension and brake removal

[mason]

I added a brake and suspension removal “pictorial” to the FAQ section of the site today.

The pictures are from an S1 Elise but most of the same principals will apply to the US Elise once it arrives.

It can be found here:
Lotus Elise suspension and brake removal

[Tom]

Mason,

The Wheel hub & upright of S1 is very different from S2 but the basic assemble is the same. I think the suspension & brake of US Elise is the same is S2.

Tom

[edgar]

Hello,

Greetings from HK again!

Unfortunately there are no ready make alloy bell and discs brakes conversions for the S2 at the moment, but I think it is relatively simple to machine a set to fit S2.

The standard calipers are good enough for general track and road use.

You would want some good pads like Mintex 1144/ 1155 for road use which is quiet but fades on the track.

Pagid RS-14 is the definitive track use pad with Castrol SRF brake fluid. We tested a variety of fluids to arrive at Castrol SRF and the combination meant fadeless braking all day.

There is a trick in bleeding the brake lines which is of utmost importance and we recommend a pressurized bleeding system for simplicity and to purge the systems from air bubbles.

If you bleed the brake lines as usual, because of the configuration of the brake ducts on the calipers you will not be able to flush the bubbles trapped on the top of the calipers because the bleeding nipple is situated on the bottom of the calipers.

Or you can turn the car upside down!

[mslpilot]

Is the trick just to use bleeder valves? Is that what you mean by the pressurized bleed system? Or are there further tricks that these upside down brakes need to get the bubbles out?

[mason]

The best way to bleed a brake system is with a pressurized system. What this means is to pressurize a reservoir filled with brake fluid and push a steady volume of fluid through the lines. This is better than the pump and stop method as a constant “stream” of fluid will keep the air bubbles moving through the system.

The best way to use a pressurized system is to bleed the brakes from each caliper and push the fluid back to the main reservoir. This allows you to push air bubbles “up hill” and has an added benefit of pushing an air bubble in the direction it naturally wants to flow.

Pressure bleeder kits also can usually be used by one person instead of two. Many specialty tool makers have pressurized kit’s and they range from $50-150. Or you can build one yourself like me. Cost me about $10 in parts.

Reverse brake bleeder:


Mason

[LastToy]

According to the picture on the FAQ, the bleeder valve is located at the top of the caliper. Are you implying that the US Elise will have the calipers set up in reverse position (valves pointing down to the ground)? Thanks.

[mason]

No, I’m not implying that the valve will be on the bottom of the caliper.

The bleeder valves are located on top of the caliper to allow air on the caliper/piston to rise. Problem is that a lot of air can be trapped in the lines and getting it to migrate “down hill” to the caliper can be difficult.

[Larry]

Mason,
I use a vacuum pump to bleed brakes, although I am still able to access top mounted bleeders. Will this work with the Elise or (I assume) air will still remain at the top (inside) of the caliper? Probably have answered my own question, but...?
Thanks! -Larry