Front suspension arms & front subframe bolts/fasteners

Patrick Bateman · 2025-04-18T12:59:24+0100

I was due to collect my car from SWR this weekend off the back of getting its timing belt and front suspension refresh done but unfortunately they've said all the fasteners for holding the subframe in place (need to drop it for some of the bushes) are seized solid and will need cut off.

Obviously that'll mean one of their ramps would be out of action for who knows how long so they want to have all the parts before committing, understandably.

They're going to see what they can source but I said I'd also have a look- can anyone point me in the direction for all the bolts etc. that would be required relating to the subframe please?

Regarding front suspension arms, I see the Ktec ones are now in stock, are these the only option?-

Aftermarket Clio 2RS Heavy Duty Lower Arms

Suitable for fitment to all Clio 2 RS 172 and 182 models including 172 Phase 1 as an upgrade for extra caster. Featuring a reinforcing plate for the bottom ball joint to make these a stronger alternative to the genuine Renault offering, as well as being available for both sides since Renault...

k-tecracing.com

Would appreciate any help!

NickReilly063 · 2025-04-18T13:14:16+0100

Hi Patrick

I read this the other day - quite a saving on the Renault ones

https://cliosport.net/threads/subframe-bolts-not-oem.848034/#post-12685429

Patrick Bateman · 2025-04-18T13:22:46+0100

Damn I don't have permission to view that, could you take a quick screenshot please?

NickReilly063 · 2025-04-18T13:33:01+0100

Renault Clio mk2 Subframe Bolts For RenaultSport 172 & 182 And All Mk2 Models | eBay

These are suitable for all mk2 models including RenaultSport 172 and 182 and all petrol and diesel variations. Why pick these?. Many disintegrate when removed and need cut/drilled out. Especially now the newest of this model are approaching 20 years old!

www.ebay.co.uk

He has them for sale on EBay

NickReilly063 · 2025-04-18T13:34:07+0100

Patrick Bateman · 2025-04-18T16:16:36+0100

Cheers. Ebay says the seller is away until the 25th but I'll see if I can get in touch on cliosport.

Anyone have thoughts on those arms?

Ajracer · 2025-04-18T18:21:06+0100

Patrick Bateman said:
Cheers. Ebay says the seller is away until the 25th but I'll see if I can get in touch on cliosport.

Anyone have thoughts on those arms?

You can rebuild your existing arms with a new swivel and press in new bushes.
To be honest if you consider the labour costs along with shot blasting/powder coating the K-Tec ones with the additional stiffening plates seem a no brainer.

Patrick Bateman · 2025-04-19T17:04:19+0100

I've ordered the Ktec ones, hopefully decent quality. I'll ask SWR to keep the old lower arms and they can be spares in my garage for doing just that, in many years to come no doubt.

SWR are going to get the subframe bolts etc., I spoke to the guy on the cliosport forum and he's actually away until the 29th so it's a non-starter.

James__H · 2025-04-19T20:55:32+0100

Sorry I didn't see this earlier.

I've just (this week gone) reconditioned my original arms with TRW bushes.

Powdercoating cost me £40. Bushes were £8 each from Autodoc.

Fixings (also from Autodoc) were about £1.50 each, but are still available from Renault, albeit at great expense!

I broke my nearside front M12:

The front fixings are longer than the rear. The Autodoc ones are all the same length, but good enough, as the front nut is there to keep the brace in place and can reach the correct torque without stripping.

I was concerned over the quality of the K-Tec bushes, and the geometry of a non-OEM arm.

TRW are owned by ZF, and their website includes words, which, to a bush engineer at work, seemed 'comforting'!

I'm yet to drive on this setup. But so far it's all gone together well.

Let me know if you've any questions!

NickReilly063 · 2025-04-19T21:11:23+0100

Looking mighty fine there James -

These make a massive difference too when fitted for only a few pounds

20X Bumper wheelarch engine undertray screws clips for Renault Twingo Master | eBay

20 X WHEELARCH MUD GUARD FENDER BODY PANEL. ENGINE UNDERTRAY. RENAULT / VAUXHALL. SCREWS with WASHER.

www.ebay.co.uk

James__H · 2025-04-19T21:23:05+0100

NickReilly063 said:
Looking mighty fine there James -

These make a massive difference too when fitted for only a few pounds

20X Bumper wheelarch engine undertray screws clips for Renault Twingo Master | eBay

20 X WHEELARCH MUD GUARD FENDER BODY PANEL. ENGINE UNDERTRAY. RENAULT / VAUXHALL. SCREWS with WASHER.

www.ebay.co.uk

Thanks Nick! I have a few new spare screws ready to go on, having spotted your previous posts on these screws! There's a mystery rivet you can see on the sill, which I'll see to at some point.

I'll update 167's thread with more photos and details of the front end chassis rebuild.

photo_ed · 2025-04-19T21:29:30+0100

Great to see your work @James__H

Makes me want to get more bits restored to as-new condition underneath mine (I have all the bits ready more or less, it's just finding the time to swap it all over!)

James__H · 2025-04-19T22:00:04+0100

@Patrick Bateman when I say "I was concerned over the quality of the K-Tec bushes", it's more that they're of an unknown quality. The TRW versions seem (in the hand at least) close in geometry, mould and metal interleaf position to the originals.

Interestingly, 'Kleber Industrie' is the rubber OE for the Renault bushes. They don't seem to exist as a bush supplier any more - they either do tyres or pool table cushions!

I'm sure the K-Tec arms and bushes will work just fine, it's just that I've got too much time on my hands

When you do get them, if you could send some close up photos of the bushes, I'd be really interested!

On the old bushes you can see the metal interleaf rusting below on one side, but basically ok on the other.

My car has done 130k miles. To be honest, the bush rate likely would be fine, as there wasn't much rubber separation if any.