Right then, time for an update.
As you all know, I recently purchased a set of AST Sportline 1's to fit onto the Clio. After a lot of research I felt these were most ideal for what I wanted in a set. I've also heard a lot of people talking and doing a front end suspension refresh, which I've been wanting to do for quite some time now. With buying a pair of second hand 54mm hubs, I decided I may as well replace both wheel bearings at the same time. With them being at least 9 years old, I'd be a little annoyed if one decided to go after having all the car set up etc.
Anyway, after a few PM's to Renault-Wolverhampton I had an order made up which consisted of the following:
2X 54mm wheel bearings
2X 182 Cup wishbones (complete with ball joints)
2X Inner track rods
2X Track rod ends
2X Inner ARB bushes
2X Outer ARB bushes
2X Steering rack bushes (SMI rack)
And then a few general bits and bobs.
After a rather large (and angry delivery driver) I had everything ready to go. Started off with the rear end which took all of 10 minutes to do. The adjusters move effortlessly, but I've been advised to keep them 1-2 from full soft just to prevent them from seizing. But hopefully I won't have any issues like that.
IMG_6509 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
Then we moved onto the front. Everything removed then we tackled the inner track rods using a crows foot spanner. Copper Greased up the replacement and tightened up, and then the new boot was put on.
IMG_6506 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
IMG_3048 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
Next up was the rack bushes, which weren't as bad as I had been anticipating.
IMG_3052 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
And then the ARB. Which was the biggest pain out of all the jobs, but that's life. We decided to just remover the ARB completely to install the new inners, just to make it a little easier.
IMG_3049 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
Front shocks were then fitted to the car, I'm running PMS Solid top mounts so there was no need to replace those. And then a beer, it always helps
IMG_3054 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
Comparison between the ktec coilovers, and the AST's..
IMG_3044 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
IMG_3043 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
Wishbones and TRE's were then fitted and we called it a day.
IMG_3051 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
I also completely forgot that I'd loose my PM stud kit for the front, so that was sorted we a bit of heat and elbow grease.
IMG_6507 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
And now I've come a little stuck. We had to knock the end of the shaft ever so slightly to break it free from the old hubs, and in doing so we altered the end thread for the nut. After quite a bit of messing around filing etc, we weren't getting anywhere with it. So I've ordered up a new shall, so that'll just replaced. The CV boot was damaged slightly anyway, so I may as well kill 2 birds with one stone and replace it while I'm doing everything else.
So I'm just waiting for that to come, fit it and then alter the track, camber and height, then I should be ready to go then.
IMG_6510 by
Joe_Harding, on Flickr
I'd just like to thank @
ROB91 @
jord @Hawk182 @Carbonraider Appreciate all your help lads