How far can you lower a Valver on 17"s without them catching?

[AndyH16VClio]

As above, the front end on my valver seems higher than the back so I am going to lower the car but the question is How low can you go??? Also what are the best springs/kits to use??

Andy

 

[Hotshot]

coilovers are the weapon of choice, im sure the valver owners have their own preferences. Maximum drop will also depend on your wheel offset

 

[White16valver]

As above really!

I think Dean (think that's his user name?) had a valver that was literally on the floor, something like lowered 100mm, so anything's possible, it won't necessarily be driveable though! You might also need some camber adjusting bolts as I imagine that you'll get some serious camber issues if it's that low...

 

[u33db]

You'll get about 50/60mm using shocks and springs...lower will need coilovers

 

[Pat_986]

Mine was lowered 35mm on 17's.........even with the inner arches removed it still scubbed on full lock,,however I think this was due to the offset of the wheels!!!

 

[AndyH16VClio]

My main concern is that I fitted the 17"s and my current steering rack is now knackered!! So I have a new one on order from Renault! I want to lower the car probably just the front end but £300 for a new rack is something i dont want to fork out again and again! I guess the rack was on its way out as the car has done 63k from new and I'm the 4th owner so it could have had a hammering in that time??

Any thoughts

Andy

 

[u33db]

I take it you've checked its not the column thats at fault rather than the rack as a lot of garages misdiagnose steering problems? Column is cheap as chips to repair (sub 100 quid) and 9 times out of 10 thats what people really need.

In any case, fitting 17's and lowering ain't gonna affect the rack.

 

[AndyH16VClio]

No mate the rack is defo the problem as I have an unbeleavable amount of play in it!! I can turn the steering wheel and the wheels don't move!

Andy

 

[u33db]

Fair enough - it though it might have been the usual column u-joint wearing and causing serious play.

300quid for a new rack is excessive tho...www.infinicar.com will probably do you a good one for less than half that which i'd be tempted to do as fitting is a pain and will cost...you'll be the guts of 300quid just to fit...

 

[Sami]

No mate the rack is defo the problem as I have an unbeleavable amount of play in it!! I can turn the steering wheel and the wheels don't move!

Andy

How much is an unbelievable amount of play?

 

[bass_direct]

I'm pretty sure it's the steering column that's your problem! Getting it sorted for under £50 in next few weeks

 

[AndyH16VClio]

My steering wheel can move around 3 inch's without moving the wheels!!!

I am having the rack fitted by a renault garage free of charge so that is why I'm buying the rack from them though the rack is coming from a different renault dealer.

Bought the car from a renault dealer 5 months ago so I have told them I want them to fit it which they have knidly said they will do free of charge!!

What is the difference with the column as I have had my car at loads of garages to rectify my problem??

As my rack vibrates when turning left I have been informed this should cease as when the rack comes off there is a leg nearby which has ball bearings /joints in it which need greasing up (if this sounds not true or different please explain as this has been the final diagnosis to this problem)

Overall a cracking car but needs the rack doing and the grinding noise which isn't a driveshaft etc etc.

Andy

 

[u33db]

Its possible you've a problem with the rack causing the vibration but thats definately not the cause of the steering moving 3"'s without turning the wheels. That is definately the column and i'll bet money on it still being there when you get the car back off them.

Check it yourself...pull up the rubber boot at the bottom of the column going into the engine bay...you'll see a joint and when you turn the wheel the upper part will move before the bottom section connected to the rack...this is why. Either get that welded, replace it or put shims in.

Please do this before the rack as its not a nice feeling coughing up that money to find out its not cured...i know as i did it myself. Chances are fixing the column will take away the vibration. Dealers know nothing!!

 

[AndyH16VClio]

I will give that a try

Cheers

Andy