Evora S Clutch

[ROBEVORA]

My car is a 2014 Evora S SR, bought second hand about a year ago. Currently has only 8k miles on the clock, of which I have done about the last 3k.

It’s been absolutely great for the last 12 months, but now the big issue is that recently I have noticed the classic symptoms of clutch slip – Revs rise but speed doesn’t when you floor it in 6th. Also “hot brakes” smell from Engine compartment.

Anyone aware of similar issues at such a very low mileage?

I don’t know how it was used by the previous owner, but I haven’t had it on a track or routinely driven in slow traffic... However, no matter how it had been abused, it should surely make it past 8k miles!

I’m believe that some of the very early cars had clutch issues, however this car is clearly one of the later ones off the line.

Is there something that I am missing? As it’s a hydraulic system I can’t imagine there is any adjustment mechanism?

[jep]

I am told hydraulic cylinders can be an issue, so I would get a Lotus dealer to look at it and diagnosis; not sure where you are in the country or who you bought it from but main dealer inspection would be my advise.

Justin

[ROBEVORA]

 

        Thanks - Yes that was going to be my next course of action. I was hoping it could be something like that, as I can't believe the clutch could actually wear out in 8000 miles.  However, the action is nice and smooth, so no other indicators of a hydraulic issue.

[Bravo73]

Unfortunately, if a clutch has been abused, it might quite wear out by 8k miles. If the previous owner had a history of launches or, particularly, poor technique (ie riding or slipping the clutch intentionally or unintentionally), then the life of the clutch would be limited. 

[Techyd]

Mileage could suggest it was bought and used as a track toy 😞

[Bruss]

1 hour ago, Techyd said:

Mileage could suggest it was bought and used as a track toy 😞

Track toys don't suffer from clutch failure any more than any other car, I find.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Robbdom]

I know the slipping is a bad sign but I am not sure that definitely points toward a new clutch. I have a new issue with my 2014 S. After sitting for a few days my clutch feels loose when I get in to start the car. This has happened twice in the past week. Once I get the car going the clutch returns to full strength within 5 minutes. there is No rev slip at all. it is a little stiff changing gears until the pressure builds back up. So I am off to Lotus in Nashville Tn tuesday. They think it is a fluid issue or a master cylinder so we will see. I love this car from top to bottom so I am all in regardless. the later models have the plastic master cylinder so hopefully it is a fluid issue. That said I saw a youtube video of a clutch change and it properly freaked me out. The car was all over the garage in parts and I know it is a very expensive repair. 

 

[JPAT]

On 25/02/2019 at 18:55, ROBEVORA said:

My car is a 2014 Evora S SR, bought second hand about a year ago. Currently has only 8k miles on the clock, of which I have done about the last 3k.

It’s been absolutely great for the last 12 months, but now the big issue is that recently I have noticed the classic symptoms of clutch slip – Revs rise but speed doesn’t when you floor it in 6th. Also “hot brakes” smell from Engine compartment.

Anyone aware of similar issues at such a very low mileage?

I don’t know how it was used by the previous owner, but I haven’t had it on a track or routinely driven in slow traffic... However, no matter how it had been abused, it should surely make it past 8k miles!

I’m believe that some of the very early cars had clutch issues, however this car is clearly one of the later ones off the line.

Is there something that I am missing? As it’s a hydraulic system I can’t imagine there is any adjustment mechanism?

Interesting reading your post Rob as I have same car as you with 20K on the clock.  Car was purchased second hand from a dealer in OZ in Jan with 17K on the clock.  I have all the same symptoms you mention in relation to the clutch however it slips in all gears from 3rd. up. and you can smell the clutch burning when it slips.  

Not sure how the first owner drove it but I know he did not use it as his daily drive, as I do.  I have not tracked the car as I have an Elise for that.  

I have spoken to the dealer as recent as last week and they have not got back to me, I would be interested to know what your dealer said to you.

 

Cheers

Jason

[ROBEVORA]

Thanks for the comments....  In the end I took it down to my local dealership - they confirmed clutch slip and therefore I had no choice but to have it replaced. When they dismantled, they couldnt find any sign of malfunction, was just worn as though it was a high mileage car. Goodness knows what the previous owner was up to... (I have been driving for 35 years and never had a new clutch in any car!)

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

I might be talking nonsense here, but if a car has enormous traction due to the wide rear tyres and weight of the engine over the rear axle, does that put excessive strain on the clutch when accelerating hard from a standstill? I think you really have to give it the beans to light up the rear tyres in an S1 Evora, so if you’re not quite at that point, does the clutch have to absorb all the punishment instead?

[electro_boy]

Launching the car from standstill is probably the highest load you can put on the drivetrain.  It's the sudden jolt from nothing to everything and the highest torque impulse (is that the correct term?)  Thats why many drivers are more than happy tracking a car but not so happy drag racing their car.

The force would be adsorbed throughout the whole drive train, from driveshafts and tyres twisting through the gearbox, clutch and even the engine and it depends on how stiff each component is on how much of that force is passed on to the next component in the chain but yes either way the clutch won't like it too much.  

Purely from a clutch point of view I'm not sure what's worse for it; dumping the clutch at high revs or slowly letting it out.  The first one will give a big shock going from 0 to 3K+ rpm and it might spike in temperature very quickly but soon subside as it should grip the flywheel.  The second will cause more slippage so might cause the clutch to heat up more and for a longer time?

[JPAT]

20 hours ago, ROBEVORA said:

Thanks for the comments....  In the end I took it down to my local dealership - they confirmed clutch slip and therefore I had no choice but to have it replaced. When they dismantled, they couldnt find any sign of malfunction, was just worn as though it was a high mileage car. Goodness knows what the previous owner was up to... (I have been driving for 35 years and never had a new clutch in any car!)

Thanks Rob, did you just go with an OEM clutch of did you go for something different?  Also can you tell me what the replacement cost was, I am being told the recommended labour time to do the job start to finish is 29hrs which adds up to a lot for a clutch replacement.

[electro_boy]

OEM clutch should be fine if you are running standard engine without mods.  In my opinion its a decent clutch and lasts well if used correctly.  A few stories of clutches burning up quickly and a few stories of clutches going on for ages, average it out and I'd say it's fit for purpose.  It's certainly better than some sports cars from manufacturers that have much better reliability reputations than Lotus.  But if you are planning on upping the power then might be good to look into the aftermarket ones available.

29hrs for clutch replacement sounds about the right ball park.  Whole back of the car has to come out and be put back together so can easily eat up a few days in the workshop.  It helps to shop around and ask a few different dealers (assuming you have a few within reasonable traveling distance in Aus). In the UK I've seen quotes of £4.5K from official Lotus dealer to £2.5K from a Lotus independent.

edit : this shows the amount of work required: