Advice please - control arms

[Wackojacko]

Hi sorry if this has come up before but need some advice please about control arms. Up front warning I am mechanically illiterate but willing to learn! My steering is noticeably not right and thought I’d get tracking looked as a first step and as suspected it’s way out….but was then invited under the ramp by the mechanic to look at the state of the arms which need sorting as heavily rusted. What’s best to do? Are they the standard cup 182s (which I understand have the extra caster) or are they somehow unique to the trophy? I heard people recondition their originals and happy to try this but if I did, I’d need something to go on as an interim measure whilst originals are off. So was going to get some second hand 182 cup ones (if they fit?!) but thought I’d come here first in the hope of some friendly advice. Just want my Trophy usable! Thanks in advance….

 

[photo_ed]

Short answer; Yes, the front suspension is the same as the 182 Cup only difference being the Sachs dampers.

Bottom arm part numbers are:
Lower Suspension Arm (Wishbone) (NSF) 8200257956
Lower Suspension Arm (Wishbone) (OSF) 8200257957

Kam Racing still have stock of new Genuine N/S bottom arms I believe. The O/S item hasn't been available new for a long while now.

Hub units/steering arms are no longer available new. 2nd hand only option these days.

Hope you have some luck getting it sorted.

 

[Wackojacko]

Thanks very much Ed for such a helpful (and quick!) reply, appreciate it. Can I just ask about rear shocks as well please as these are also on their way out - am I right in saying these are trophy specific but now unobtainable, in which case I need to get the standard cup 182 ones? If that’s right, is there much of a difference? Thanks

 

[photo_ed]

No problem at all.

The rear Trophy specific Sachs shocks haven't been available new, to my knowledge, since about 2017, the last ones were painted black as opposed to the silver/grey of the original batch. They're really tricky to track down now, sadly becoming unobtainium as it were, usually with a wild price tag when they do surface..

Your best bet is probably some 182 Cup items, I think in normal driving many have said there's no discernible difference to the Sachs items.
There looks to be limited new stock left of genuine 182 Cup items now though too, RPD coming in cheapest at about £83 per side:

Renault Clio 172 182 Rear Shock Absorber Cup Version - 8200681125

Renault Clio 172 182 Rear Shock Absorber Cup Version - Renault Parts Direct - Renault Parts Direct is a web based service from our authorised Renault dealer.

renaultpartsdirect.co.uk

Hope this helps..

 

[Wackojacko]

Super helpful - thank you again. Such a great forum