** Fault ** Clio 182 - Cat Cracking on Rear Flange

[AliasOmega]

Basically, over time the rear back boxes sag, as the rear exhaust hangers rubber wears out, causing the back boxes to sag / droop. In turn this puts pressure on the cat, it pivots on the front hanger of the back boxes, and pushes the rear of the cat upwards. Obviously the cat is fixed to the engine downpipe, so cant move.

In turn, the cat cracks on the rear flange. Usually on the top of the cat from the 10 - 2 o'clock position.

To fix this, you need to replace the back boxes hanger, the 'X' ones. These are £11 each from your local exhaust supplier. They are generic items and you dont need to buy from renault.

The part numbers for the item are -

RENAULT: 7700424342

TIMAX : 420394

WALKER : 80172

Then, either -

a) Find someone to weld the cat (ideally from the inside, then on the outside and grind the excess off).

b) Replace the cat from an item from eBay etc. Should be about £50 then £20 to get fitted.

I only know this as i replaced the cat, then noticed it was leaking again, and further invest found one loose exhaust at the back. 2 new clamps, one new C clamp on the cat and no more blowing..


Regards,

Alias

 

[W111ALG]

Theres also a guide in the, erm "guides" section for repairing the backbox hanger to make the backbox sit right. I think many people on here, including myself have done this and it makes it much better.

It was either first thing on a Monday morning or last thing on a Friday evening when the Renault Engineers (I use that term looselly here!) designed the Sport exhaust systems.

 

[AliasOmega]

Yes, the guide involves going to halfords and basically bodging a ford escort rubber hanger into the bracket.

Tbh, for £11 each its probably not worth doctoring the bracket and if you come to sell the car privately, it just looks a mess.

£11 every 3 years isnt too bad for a perishable item.

 

[H182]

My cat cracked but the exhaust hangers are perfect. Thought it was just down to a dodgy cat.

 

[paul]

can be had for cheaper iirc 6.50 from ces!

http://www.cesuk.com/