17 July 2025|News
Lotus Exige Suspension Recommission by Hilton & Moss
At Hilton & Moss, we often say no two sports cars tell the same story, and this particular Lotus Exige 410 Sport was a textbook case of “buyer beware.” Purchased blind by its new owner, the car showed early signs of trouble after just 20 miles on the road. It soon found its way into the Hilton & Moss service workshop for a full inspection and a much-needed overhaul.
A Deeper Dive into Suspension Issues
The inspection revealed a variety of issues, the first was corrosion throughout the suspension setup. It is common knowledge that many of the components on both the Lotus Elise and Exige suspension assemblies were not protected by the factory, causing rust and corrosion issues later down the line. We also quickly discovered that the Nitron R3 suspension components, originally a high-performance highlight of the 410 Sport, had never been serviced in over five years of use and were showing signs of wear and clear deterioration.
Our expert team removed all suspension wishbones for a detailed inspection. One of the wishbones was found to be bent and was replaced with a brand-new unit. To gain proper access and ensure nothing was overlooked, we removed the front clamshell, which allowed us to fully detail the under-clam area and remove debris from the charge coolers, helping to prevent any future cooling issues. This was done with a combination of meticulous cleaning and steam blasting to ensure all components were kept in their best condition possible.
A Full Strip-Down and Rebuild
The Nitron R3 dampers were sent off for a full service and received fresh coil springs during the process. Meanwhile, all wishbones and uprights were professionally zinc-coated to ensure long-term corrosion protection. We also replaced every single nut and bolt in the suspension system, with each component zinc-coated before reassembly to meet our high standards.
To enhance handling further, we upgraded the rear toe link setup to a Spitfire kit, known for its reliability and performance under hard driving conditions.
The Finishing Touch: Fast Road Geometry
With everything rebuilt and refinished, we performed a full fast road geometry setup to maximise the Exige’s handling and performance potential. This crucial step ensures the car now delivers the sharp, agile driving experience Lotus is renowned for.
Conclusion
What began as a cautionary tale ended in a redemption story. This Lotus Exige 410 Sport is now in top mechanical condition and ready to perform at its peak. At Hilton & Moss, our commitment to detail and passion for performance mean every car that enters our workshop leaves better than ever.
For more information, and to book your Lotus in for inspection and service, email info@hiltonandmoss.com
