Changing shocks on a 200 cup... complicated?

[sibbers]

Hey fellas,

Changed plenty of shocks in time, but I’m having my timing belt done next Monday so I asked Renaultspeed in Farnborough to do them and they discouraged me saying it’s a very difficult job and nothing like any other shocks I’ve changed.

It’s made me suspicious, so I’d like to find out what’s involved? He said no ball joint and hub assembly has to come off etc.

Can anyone give me the low down with what’s involved please?

 

[sibbers]

Answering my own question here, but it does appear a little bit more involved.



New question. Anyone got a guide or link to something written up somewhere?

Ta v much

 

[bloke]

Hub doesn't need to come out. Worst part of the job is if pinch bolt won't come out. Other than that not a bad job to do.

 

[sibbers]

OK thanks for the response. What is actually required and if I'm ordering and changing shocks, should I order and change anything else while there?

As far as I can tell:

• top mount bolts
• take brake caliper off
• lower ball joint
• any other ball joint? looks like there is one inboard
• pull it all out, get compressors on the spring and change like any other normal shock

When I go to put the reassembled strut back in, will it fit easily or I need to keep the spring compressed somehow?

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[LW93]

I’m local to renaultspeed and every time I’ve tried to get quotes from them they’ve made it very awkward and make everything sound like such hard work so not surprised. They quoted me £1700 to do front lower swivels...

 

[sibbers]

I just had a chat with a chap called Terry. He seems pretty reasonable and answered a bunch of my questions properly, so I feel a bit happier now.

Seems like the above is true, but he was saying there are bits which will just fail and the book time is 3.7hours (£50 p/h +VAT) plus parts, and track rod ends can end up damaged. Would love to hear from others who have done this themselves. Doesn't seem that hard, but even the experience of one go at it would be a huge help.

 

[Brigsy]

I would be going elsewhere for belts to be done if they are claiming its a hard job to change the front shocks. Its not too difficult to change them, can leave hub in situ.

 

[sibbers]

Where would you suggest? They have given me confidence they understand how to do a belt change properly. It sounds like the 172/182. Suspension is different and I wanted them to throw shocks on for the price of the parts seeing as I'm throwing a days labour at them, but they says it's 4 hours and needs more parts than shocks alone for whatever breaks during disassembly.

Timing belt + dephaser + water pump + aux belts + coolant refresh + oil & filter refresh + brake fliud etc = £830 all in. Not cheap, but reasonable if they're doing a proper job. Will share my feedback once done.

My specific question here is really about whats involved and what do I need to be weary of if I decide to tackle this on my drive?

 

[Sunglasses_Ron]

I’d be going to see Mick at http://www.ren-tech.co.uk

 

[sibbers]

Thanks man, but Portsmouth... not exactly on my way to work.

If anyone has any technical advice I’d be grateful. Or perhaps a link to a service manual?

 

[bloke]

Belt kit, waterpump, aux belt and tensioner, coolant, oil and filter £465. You don't need the depalhaser doing as they don't fail but even if you throw another £100 on to cover it that's far from a decent price they are doing you.

 

[bloke]

Just saw where you are, take it to Chris at beanisport.

 

[sibbers]

Are you saying £465 all in? Coz that is a damn good deal. Where do I find Chris at Beanisport?

Cheers

 

[sibbers]

Beaniesport! Bit far on this occasion but thanks none the less. ?

 

[bloke]

that's what i charge for belt kit, aux kit, pump and oil and filter.

 

[STEVE.M]

Just saw where you are,.

Then you should have known he could not find his way to Ruislip, let alone Milton Keynes.

 

[sibbers]

Cheers lads. They’re both doable locations, just not particularly convenient. I’m happy with the price for my timing belt work, seems very reasonable to me and I’ll feed back about the experience/workmanship but conversations.

From anyone on this forum that fixes their own cars, feedback or comments about the job of changing shocks would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[imprezaworks]

How far are the places mentioned and recommended from you?