“Charlotte” The 182 FF

[Mr Underhill]

Well… now I’m definitely blaming you… lol.
I’ll assess it when I get a chance to get under it, I just feel like some of it I might as well do now if it’s apart, but if the shocks are okay I may just replace the top mounts and etc. But there’s a definite knock at times which I’m sure is cv joints. So they’ll defo be getting done.

Understand what you're saying but you'll get easier access when the subframe's out.

Are your shockers 'CUP' dampers? Previous owner said they were on mine. They weren't of course. He wasn't misleading me, he was told that by the guy he bought it off. Hard to tell when they're all rusted up, unless you have a brand new set to compare with. These cars are so old now, we've no idea what bits have been stuck on them over the years. I've learned the hard way. The RB project was a reflection of some of the mistakes i've made on my other 2 cars.

 

[SharpyClio]

Understand what you're saying but you'll get easier access when the subframe's out.

Are your shockers 'CUP' dampers? Previous owner said they were on mine. They weren't of course. He wasn't misleading me, he was told that by the guy he bought it off. Hard to tell when they're all rusted up, unless you have a brand new set to compare with. These cars are so old now, we've no idea what bits have been stuck on them over the years. I've learned the hard way. The RB project was a reflection of some of the mistakes i've made on my other 2 cars.

Honestly at the moment I have no idea, it should be the 'cup' dampers but it could be a couple of twiglets as far as I know. I really need to get it in the air and see what I have under there at the moment. If its not 'cup' dampers but they are okay I'll decide how I want to proceed, I guess part of me would like to just do it all in one go as I know its right the other part (my wallet) says there is no rush, do the things that need doing when they need doing.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Honestly at the moment I have no idea, it should be the 'cup' dampers but it could be a couple of twiglets as far as I know. I really need to get it in the air and see what I have under there at the moment. If its not 'cup' dampers but they are okay I'll decide how I want to proceed, I guess part of me would like to just do it all in one go as I know its right the other part (my wallet) says there is no rush, do the things that need doing when they need doing.

Yeah i totally get it. Took me 4 years to do the BG, did the RB in one go. I remember driving my BG for the first time. Banging, bouncing, tramlining, rough idle etc..

The internet said that's just how they are. I thought how on earth did the Renault salesman sell these if they're like that. I then drove a lads RB at one of the race meets. 30k on the clock, all original and like new. I discovered they don't drive "like that" In fact they're very compliant, quiet and well behaved. My RB and BG drive like factory cars now. Food for thought, but whatever you decide to do, I look forward to seeing the progress

 

[SharpyClio]

Yeah i totally get it. Took me 4 years to do the BG, did the RB in one go. I remember driving my BG for the first time. Banging, bouncing, tramlining, rough idle etc..

The internet said that's just how they are. I thought how on earth did the Renault salesman sell these if they're like that. I then drove a lads RB at one of the race meets. 30k on the clock, all original and like new. I discovered they don't drive "like that" In fact they're very compliant, quiet and well behaved. My RB and BG drive like factory cars now. Food for thought, but whatever you decide to do, I forward to seeing the progress

Mine has a rough idle as well - which I believe is TDC sensor... the list grows!

To be fair mine drives quite nicely. Feels good to drive, responsive and sharp in the corners. Just a few rough edges and its not quite as "good" as I would like / expect.

 

[SharpyClio]

So a few more small things.

The drivers door release arrived… took ages. This is a super small thing that most people have oils t even notice but I saw it straight away and for the sake of £5 thought I’d just get it sorted.

Also picked up a subframe, seen these going for over £100 so happy enough to pay £30 for this. Looks tidy enough, but it’ll be off to get blasted and coated at some point anyway.

Getting harder to hide parts from the missus…


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[MRBILLYUK]

I have been giving it some thought and as much as i'd like to drop money on nice things that can been seen @Jon Wright was correct in so much as its best to start from the bottom up, the car makes some knocking noises so my next steps are,

- Subframe - get blasted and powder coated
- Genuine Cup Shocks
- Top Mounts
- Bushes
- CV Joints
- Intermediate Bearing
- Track Rod ends
- Bottom Ball Joints

My intention is it also get the hub carriers and other parts blasted and coated as well and i'll probably replace the wheel bearings for good measure, then I'll move onto the rear end and basically do the same, then I can be happy that with the engine belts done and the suspension and steering done I have a solid car.

I intend to refurb the CV joints rather than replace the whole shaft with a replacement... but how on earth do you know what CV joint you need!

Did you find out which cv joint you need and where from? I think one of mine is knackered. It's going to the garage tomorrow to check it out. Any info would be good.

 

[SharpyClio]

Did you find out which cv joint you need and where from? I think one of mine is knackered. It's going to the garage tomorrow to check it out. Any info would be good.

Not entirely no. I’m still working on it. Basically from what I understand it need to have the wider ABS ring but the cv joints are the same across the range. The shafts differ but if you’re just doing the joint it seems as long as you be the right abs ring it should work.
Although I’m not 100% confident it that information.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Did you find out which cv joint you need and where from? I think one of mine is knackered. It's going to the garage tomorrow to check it out. Any info would be good.

Go to partsouq.com stick in your model number CB22 if it’s a cup and everything is in there.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Not entirely no. I’m still working on it. Basically from what I understand it need to have the wider ABS ring but the cv joints are the same across the range. The shafts differ but if you’re just doing the joint it seems as long as you be the right abs ring it should work.
Although I’m not 100% confident it that information.

I'm 100% sure it is the cv joint. The boots off, which it failed the MOT on last September and was put back on and a new clip.
It started today as I was driving back from the supermarket. 1 minute it was fine the next the steering wheel was shaking like f**k, I pulled over thinking I might have a flat tyre but the tyre was ok.
I limped home with the steering wheel shaking and pulling hard to the right.
I jacked it up and took the wheel off and I could see the boot was off again. When I rotate the wheel by hand I could feel it clicking like every 1/4 turn. I'm hoping it's not the drive shaft and just the cv joint.
I phoned a local garage and they said bring it tomorrow morning at 9am so I'll see what they say then. 🤞

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Go to partsouq.com stick in your model number CB22 if it’s a cup and everything is in there. View attachment 1579357View attachment 1579358

I went to partsouq but couldn't find anywhere to put in CB22.
It's a 182 with cup pack suspension. I have a spare new 15mm abs ring if they need that,I'll take it with me just in case.

 

[SharpyClio]

Quick update,

cleaned and fitted the new climate control panel just to make sure that wasn’t the cause of the heating / cooling issue, it was not but the buttons are now not all worn out which is nice.

My new engine mount and dog bone poly bushes turned up, should reduce some of the vibration from the black edition ones that are in there now.

also ordered a de more bits and bobs that should turn up this week.

 

[SharpyClio]

Half tempted to buy this… kinda seems appropriate for a French money pit…

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[SharpyClio]

Literally have a box of “stuff” for the Clio, just need the car back to put them on, it’s off having the belts done but despite spending over £600 on kits and pulleys etc a crankshaft seal wasn’t included which was a bit annoying so I ended up having to get one of those and getting it to the garage so I lost my slot so they’re doing it when they can, I have a courtesy car so not a biggy but I’d like it back soon, been in a week now.

Some new slam panel stickers, look really nice quality, I think they came via eBay from a member on here?

spent a few minutes sorting the dogbone mount as well hoping the road mounts will be a bit more forgiving than the track ones that are on at the moment

also got the battery / air box cover, got the pipe just need the filter, but should look tidy.

New number plates and new slam panel rubber and upper engine mount bolts and washers

Should help to tidy up under the bonnet, next steps will be to repaint the ECU cover and the intakes etc.

Ive also had a chance to get under the car when it’s on the ramps and it’s pretty tidy so I’m going to press on with getting parts to refresh it but with a bit less urgency. Really want to sort a new spare key and the sound deadening next.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Literally have a box of “stuff” for the Clio, just need the car back to put them on, it’s off having the belts done but despite spending over £600 on kits and pulleys etc a crankshaft seal wasn’t included which was a bit annoying so I ended up having to get one of those and getting it to the garage so I lost my slot so they’re doing it when they can, I have a courtesy car so not a biggy but I’d like it back soon, been in a week now.

Some new slam panel stickers, look really nice quality, I think they came via eBay from a member on here?
View attachment 1580844

spent a few minutes sorting the dogbone mount as well hoping the road mounts will be a bit more forgiving than the track ones that are on at the moment

View attachment 1580845View attachment 1580849
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also got the battery / air box cover, got the pipe just need the filter, but should look tidy.

View attachment 1580850
New number plates and new slam panel rubber and upper engine mount bolts and washers

View attachment 1580851
View attachment 1580852
View attachment 1580853
Should help to tidy up under the bonnet, next steps will be to repaint the ECU cover and the intakes etc.

Ive also had a chance to get under the car when it’s on the ramps and it’s pretty tidy so I’m going to press on with getting parts to refresh it but with a bit less urgency. Really want to sort a new spare key and the sound deadening next.

Did it go into Mick at Diamond then?

 

[SharpyClio]

Did it go into Mick at Diamond then?

It did not, after a few emails it became apparent that he was not keen on fitting the parts I bought despite them being genuine OEM parts. Despite the advice I have decided to use the garage I always use, they are a known quantity for me and I am friends with the owner who also used to race Clios before starting to race Type-Rs. They have all the specialist tools and I trust them to do the job properly, as it happens they had a 197 with the engine out being serviced before being turned into a race car.

 

[SharpyClio]

Got my Clio back, the timing was out after it was last done in 2019 by a “specialist”. Totally different car to drive doesn’t bog down and much smoother throughout the range. I’m the end I’m really please I got the belts done at my local garage.
They also noted that not l of the parts looked like they had been done with the belt which is a worry. All done and super happy.

 

[SharpyClio]

A few more jobs ticked off.

Quick game of spot the difference

Happier with the overall look now, just need to tidy up a few things like the écu cover and inlets but getting there.
And here’s some of the worst photos you’ll see of a dog bone mount swap..

So next up I really want to get the interior up to standard so keeping an eye on the weather so that I can get the carpets and seats out to be cleaned.
Really pleased with how’s its turning out.

 

[t90_lle]

A few more jobs ticked off.

Quick game of spot the difference

View attachment 1581533View attachment 1581534
Happier with the overall look now, just need to tidy up a few things like the écu cover and inlets but getting there.
And here’s some of the worst photos you’ll see of a dog bone mount swap..

View attachment 1581535View attachment 1581536View attachment 1581537View attachment 1581538
So next up I really want to get the interior up to standard so keeping an eye on the weather so that I can get the carpets and seats out to be cleaned.
Really pleased with how’s its turning out.

Battery cover, Intake and grill 😝

 

[SharpyClio]

Battery cover, Intake and grill 😝

Slam panel sticker, slam panel seal, intake and battery cover!

 

[SharpyClio]

A very quick update. New plates are on but it very dirty and I can’t face it being on here is such a state so I’ll get some pics at the weekend when it’s clean!

Also a bit closer to under the bonnet being how I’d like it. Just need to figure out how to get the ÉCU cover off to paint and once that’s done it’s largely there bar some cleaning.

Pretty pleased with it tbh.

also having a debate with myself about the route to go on the exhaust. PMS, KTR, Scorpion or Milltek, might just throw a dart at a board and see what that tells me to do.

 

[SharpyClio]

It’s been a while since I’ve done any wet sanding and I was a bit apprehensive, but just all on as there are some marks that I’m keen to get rid of, started on the door. Still not 100% but better than it was getting some more aggressive compound as mines run out, also some new pads. Hoping to get round the whole car and see where I can get to and decide how much need painting. Ideally I want to avoid a full re-spray.

Didn’t get a proper before pic…

First compound pass

second compound pass

First Polish pass

Second and final polish pass

After wax

 

[SharpyClio]

Went for a quick drive, took a nice pic….

 

[SharpyClio]

After more diagnosis of the cabin heater / cooler issue I have unleashed the parts cannon again and ordered a (cheap) resistor pack. I have read some other posts where people had similar issues that were resolved by replacing it and although I am sceptical its worth a shot. If it resolves the issue then I will look to get a more expensive / OEM part, its probably the one thing that causes me the most day to day frustration and Im keen to get it resolved. Also got it booked in for an AC pressure test so I can figure out what parts I need to replace there, the condenser is a good bet as that looks very second hand, and i'll likely replace all the seals and the valves as well anyway as its clearly not had gas in it for some time!

 

[Mr Underhill]

After more diagnosis of the cabin heater / cooler issue I have unleashed the parts cannon again and ordered a (cheap) resistor pack. I have read some other posts where people had similar issues that were resolved by replacing it and although I am sceptical its worth a shot. If it resolves the issue then I will look to get a more expensive / OEM part, its probably the one thing that causes me the most day to day frustration and Im keen to get it resolved. Also got it booked in for an AC pressure test so I can figure out what parts I need to replace there, the condenser is a good bet as that looks very second hand, and i'll likely replace all the seals and the valves as well anyway as its clearly not had gas in it for some time!

My BG has no A/C which is lovely in the Winter but the Summer's a killer. Threw all the pipework out as well and CBA to buy it all back.

Got stung in the face twice last year driving home from work with the window down. Once from a Wasp, the other from a stone flicking off a van tyre, missed my eye by an inch. RB has lovely A/C so i'll be using that in the Summer.

 

[SharpyClio]

Mmmmm… glossy….

 

[SharpyClio]

Exciting day today. New exhaust arrived. No photos as I was too keen to get into it. Sadly the joy turned to annoyance as there’s a pet missing, I managed to bidge the join but it’s very farty and sounds terrible. Pretty frustrating but KTec have been super helpful so far so i confident they’ll sort it quickly..

Was chuckling as I found all the zip ties holding the exhaust in place

also found a split in the centre section of the old system which also sounded farty, so happy with the swap, once this fits properly.

also orders a new centre section rubber as well as that needed 2 zip ties to hold the exhaust on, extra safe!!

so a few more things to sort out then I’ll get some more pictures.

 

[hopgop1]

Zipties are probably stonger than a lot of the rubber Renault used on their exhaust hangers on these .
I was very happy when I changed my OEM system for a resonated Milltek. Be interesting to see how yours sounds (assume it's resonated?), with a single backbox.

 

[SharpyClio]

Zipties are probably stonger than a lot of the rubber Renault used on their exhaust hangers on these .
I was very happy when I changed my OEM system for a resonated Milltek. Be interesting to see how yours sounds (assume it's resonated?), with a single backbox.

Lol. I was wondering as they seem to be make of cheese and fairy dust! Zip ties certainly did a job.

I’m non res and de cat…. For now. Lol if it’s too much then I’ll probably get a cat and a res pipe. When I did take it out and held a steady rev so it didn’t sound like my old Clio when I “modified” it my stabbing the back box with a screw driver, it seems quieter than the previous system, certainly less boomy in the cabin. I’ve got a better bodge coming tomorrow so hopefully it’ll be drivable, it’s just embarrassing as the moment.

 

[SharpyClio]

Not much to update really, but I’m about to get an order of sound deadening to improve the interior cabin a bit, so the interior will be coming out then (I know, I’ve been talking about that for ages.)

mon other news I may be on to something with my heating issue, it’s seems to be linked to an issue with one or both of them temperature sensors, could be as simple as the exterior sensor needing to be replaced (although it reading correctly) or rheee could be a break in the wire somewhere. So I’ll be looking to do some more investigation into that. Feels like I’m making slow progress.

finally, I’m starting to get a little frustrated with Ktec. The exhaust didn’t come with all the parts, the stub to connect to my cat wasn’t in the box I raised this last Friday and I’ve spoken to them twice now and I was assured the stub would be sent to arrive today, nothing. So I currently have a car I can’t drive which is pretty annoying as it’s my daily, currently having to go everywhere in the camper van.

 

[SharpyClio]

Well blow me down… I’ve fixed the heater issue!! Mega happy. A bit more fault finding and looking at wiring diagrams and I found that the wrong connector was connected. There’s two similar connectors and the wrong was attached.

The grey connector was attached and the orange one should have been attached. Swapped them over and huzzah! All fixed!

 

[SharpyClio]

Also KTEC found the stub, the courier has not picked it up with the other items, not KTECs fault it on it way and will be with me tomorrow. A bit frustrating but all good and they were genuinely very apologetic.

 

[SharpyClio]

Last little update for today, just been to have the AC system pressure tested. Leak identified at the joint between the condenser and drivers side pipe, suspect its the condenser that is leaking. Booked it in the have it fixed. Hoping that's all I need to get the climate up and running properly.

 

[SharpyClio]

Another new gear knob, this one a cook sport with longer “shaft” (stop sniggering at the back), much nicer in terms of looks and general position… throw is now really long though, but I’m not that fussed by that at the moment as it’s not like i drove it super hard, might get a short shift linkage at some point.

sound deadening will be here Monday while I’m away, something to look forward to when I get back.

 

[SharpyClio]

Back from holidays now and came home to a nice little pile of goodies.

sound deadening, LED interior lights and sidelight bulbs, Haynes manual and exhaust clamps as the ones I had were too big so I was getting some blowing from the cat connection.

just need to make time to get stuck into it now.

after a week of being sat the car started on the button, still great fun to drive! 👌

 

[SharpyClio]

A non photo update but another thing ticked off the list. Had the AC fixed today. Had 2 failed seals, one for the condenser and one on the pump. All done and got cold air again.

 

[SharpyClio]

Few more odd jobs done,

cleaned the seat belts, they look massive better now, still not 100% but not sure I can do much more other than replace them.

before

during

after

also did the rear end sound deadening in part, basically the floor.

The top layer isn’t stuck in yet but it’s noticeably quieter at cruising seeds. So once the rest of the cabins done it should be a nice place to be!

 

[SharpyClio]

Just been enjoying the car recently, slowing things down and will look to save a bit for servicing and buy one thing a month of the parts I want or the car needs.

It’s been flawless really, going to be dropping the oil and doing a general service soon and sorting out the horrible blowing exhaust.

Stopped on a little potter to take in the views… and to take the mandatory pics…

 

[SharpyClio]

Never been entirely happy with the exhaust tip position on the Ktec this is due to decat and link pipes pushing the system back, it was also not that tight on the clamps so moved back and forward and sounded pretty farty. So I bought the Ktec decat and fitted it, allowed me to get the tips much more where I want them and the sound is much better.

Before

After

I’ll get a quick video of the sound as well, does sound good.

nothing more this month but some speakers hopefully to come in June as it’s currently a 3 speaker system.

 

[SharpyClio]

Been a while since I’ve updated, not much to report been enjoying driving it and putting £100 a time in fuel into it 😬

got a few little niggles that I want to sort out, so I’ll be getting the parts and then pre MOT in August ill be taking it off the road for a bit to do them.

- crunching when on lock going over bumps, initially I thought it his was CV joints as I heard it first when reversing on full lock but pretty sure it’s the suspension top mounts, I’ll get some OEM ones to replaced them.

might also take the chance to get the swing arms and axles blasted and coated and new bushes put in as it does tramline quite a bit.

I have an occasional and mild crunch going into 5th, I’m not 100% sure but the gearstick is really loose, like stirring a cauldron so I’m going to sort the bushes out for that and see it it helps.

going to fit a sports cat for the MOT and I’ll probably just leave it on.

 

[SharpyClio]

Few minor tweaks.

I knew my headlights were a bit yellow but i didn’t think they were that bad… I was wrong…

Looking much better now, also added some wrap to the cool air intake, purely for looks as I’d chipped the paint quite badly when I dropped a spanner on it ffs.

Then gave to old girl a clean.

few things due in august / September, MOT due so it’ll be interesting to see what that brings, then I want to sort of the gear linkage as it’s really loose and also the suspension top mounts.

Finally it needs a service soon so I’ll be on with that as well.