New parts while Sachs are off

[rojer386]

Hey folks.

I’m removing my front dampers tomorrow to have them serviced. This is the first time in my ownership of both my T’s that I’ve had to get them serviced.

Are there any other parts that you would replace as a matter of maintenance while the dampers are off?

Thanks.

 

[Keeno79]

I'm new to trophy ownership but just had my shocks rebuilt, while it was on stands I did discs and pads, cleaned and painted the brake calipers also gave the arches a good scrub and ceramic coated all the plastics to help preserve them

 

[photo_ed]

Presumably you're fitting fresh top mounts when the dampers go back in? Other things I'd be looking at are bushes, particularly the ARB bushes.

 

[Lewr1407]

Hi Ed,

When mine were off in August, I refreshed all of the suspension parts (wishbones, top mounts, anti roll bar bushes etc etc) and powder coated a lot of things too.

The big thing for me were also new wheel bearings; this was really worthwhile whilst the suspension was away given the age of the car.

Cheers,

Lew.

 

[rojer386]

Presumably you're fitting fresh top mounts when the dampers go back in? Other things I'd be looking at are bushes, particularly the ARB bushes.

Yeah despite the current ones looking fine I’d prefer to have them changed. The bump stops also look fine but would like to change them over too.

Can anyone provide links on the best place to source these bits from?

Thanks.

 

[photo_ed]

Yeah despite the current ones looking fine I’d prefer to have them changed. The bump stops also look fine but would like to change them over too.

Can anyone provide links on the best place to source these bits from?

Thanks.

Correct Renault top mounts are available from either RPD or Kam Racing:

Renault Clio Twingo Wind Shock Absorber Top Mount Kit 543A09780R

543A09780R Renault Shock Absorber Top Mount Kit - Products in stock for various models with secure payment and fast delivery.

renaultpartsdirect.co.uk

https://www.kamracing.co.uk/renault-oe-front-suspension-top-mount-renault-clio-mk2-renaultsport.html

Sadly Brian, the bump stops/gaiters are no longer available. The last source in France dried up about a year and a half ago. I'm currently trying to find some to help out another forum member, but am having zero luck. I believe BG have an alternative, but when I emailed them about it Jane was a bit cagey about the details, I suspect it's a Powerflex universal fitting item...

 

[rojer386]

Thanks Ed.

In terms of aftermarket bump stops, what’s the recommendations for these? Powerflex?

 

[photo_ed]

Thanks Ed.

In terms of aftermarket bump stops, what’s the recommendations for these? Powerflex?

If the original ones are in good to reasonable condition, I would stick with them as they were designed to work in conjunction with the Sachs damper I believe. Anything aftermarket will be I suspect harsher and not last as long.

 

[rojer386]

Thanks Ed, as always your advice is appreciated.

 

[mustang1974]

Ive often wondered on the top mounts if this is how they should fit under the bonnet?
I had my car serviced at a renault dealer and they said the top mounts are loose as in not touching the body work.
I argued that thats how they fit (i copied the previous fitment).
How do other people's sit on top?

 

[NickReilly063]

That looks a little weird - you have me thinking mine don't sit correctly if that's correct

 

[mustang1974]

That looks a little weird - you have me thinking mine don't sit correctly if that's correct

That looks a little weird - you have me thinking mine don't sit correctly if that's correct


View attachment 36957

My sachs were refurbished before my ownership so I just replicated how they were built.
Plus there is a spacer nut on the shaft under the top cup. Makes me think something is not right although there isn't any knocks when driving.
Nice clean engine bay by the way

 

[photo_ed]

View attachment 36956

Ive often wondered on the top mounts if this is how they should fit under the bonnet?
I had my car serviced at a renault dealer and they said the top mounts are loose as in not touching the body work.
I argued that thats how they fit (i copied the previous fitment).
How do other people's sit on top?

Some gap between the body and we’ll call it the ‘rubber donut’ of the top mount is perfectly normal on these cars, so long as it’s not excessive.
There should be one. Renault updated to a spacer nut to combat knocking from strut tops/top mounts on full lock.
I’ll try and dig out a pic of 407 where the ‘normal’ gap is visible…

 

[photo_ed]

Here we are @mustang1974 - I zoomed into a pic of 407 to illustrate the gap.

 

[mustang1974]

Here we are @mustang1974 - I zoomed into a pic of 407 to illustrate the gap.

View attachment 36958

My picture might look more extreme because ive taken a close up picture

 

[photo_ed]

My picture might look more extreme because ive taken a close up picture

I think if it were me, I'd be ignoring what the Renault garage have said. I very much doubt they have any knowledge whatsoever of the finer points of these cars now and I suspect are just trying to get you to spend more money...
Mine have a gap not dissimilar to yours (and always have had), these latest Sachs & new top-mounts etc were fitted by Mick at Diamond, who I would very much trust to be putting it all together correctly given his expertise with these cars.


Here's my reference pic of an engine bay taken on delivery day in 2005, it's not a great angle to see what we're discussing, but you can tell from the amount of shadow that there's a gap under the rubber donut.

 

[NickReilly063]

I think if it were me, I'd be ignoring what the Renault garage have said. I very much doubt they have any knowledge whatsoever of the finer points of these cars now and I suspect are just trying to get you to spend more money...
Mine have a gap not dissimilar to yours (and always have had), these latest Sachs & new top-mounts etc were fitted by Mick at Diamond, who I would very much trust to be putting it all together correctly given his expertise with these cars.

View attachment 36959
Here's my reference pic of an engine bay taken on delivery day in 2005, it's not a great angle to see what we're discussing, but you can tell from the amount of shadow that there's a gap under the rubber donut.

I’d love to replicate that look 20 years on Ed - stunning

 

[photo_ed]

I’d love to replicate that look 20 years on Ed - stunning

You can't be far off with yours Nick..

 

[SharkyUK]

You can't be far off with yours Nick..

I thought it was Nick's....!

 

[NickReilly063]

I thought it was Nick's....!

I can only wish Andy - it’s Ed again showing off what we could have had