Knocking from steering rack possibly?

[Lee]

A couple of months back I had new engine mounts on the Trophy which fixed the usual gentle knock at low speeds, those have since failed again so new ones are going to be fitted at the 12k service.

The last few days I've had this feeling that something isn't quite right though and that somewhere there's something else lose that shouldn't be. Plus the steering seems a little heavier than usual and I'm sure it's tramlining more than usual but that could just be the tyres after the last two track days!!

When I got home tonight I turned the wheel while stationary and got a knock which could be felt through the floor and pedals, so I turned the wheel from left to right and each time it knocked in both directions. It's pretty noticable as it can be felt through the carpet under your feet.

I got out and gave the wheels a good tug and there's no play or knocking coming from there.

Anyone got any ideas? Could it just be related to the knackered engine mount or could it be something else?

Hopefully I can get the garage to have a look tomorrow afternoon.

Ta,

 

[Fred@BTM]

spring could've popped out or snapped (due to that extra weight )

could be a knackered bush (you've seen a few of those )

LMAO, i wanna go back

 

[Lee]

It was the weight of you, me, yoz and all that beer we drank that must have done it.

 

[Lee]

Anyone got any ideas?

I've just called the garage and they've said the best they could do is a road test and wouldn't be able to look at it until at least next Wednesday.

As I'm driving along I can feel it knock through the pedals and floor beneath my feet. This can easily be replicated when stationary just by turning the wheel from left to right, which is what makes me think it's a steering problem of some sort. Driveshaft maybe?

I think I'll pop down in person this afternoon and see how they react to me stood there. I've already pointed out it's had new engine mounts which lasted a month and need replacing again, and how it's been in 6 times for the temperature sensor fault which is again happening. He didn't like it when I pointed out the car is the most unreliable car I've ever owned and they don't seem to be able to apply a permanent fix for anything.

 

[richy92]

My 182 does this - so do some others - reno say there all like it but Im not convinced.

Get a friend to move the wheel fairly quickly from say 10:00 to 2:00 o'clock and back again - repeating quickly - whilst you kneel by the front wheel and try to hold the tyre still.
As the wheel passes the central point a clunk can be felt through the wheel - it seems like the rack is shot, but I cant find any play, just the clunking as the wheel is moved.

I have tried the same test on another clio, which did the same thing.

Does that sound like the problem you have ???

 

[NealP]

Had the same thing albeit many moons ago on my old R5 GT Turbo. Exactly the same syptoms as you mentioned feeling a knocking through pedals/floorpan when you wobble the steering. It ended up being a small 2 bolt coupling with rubber inserts which connects the main steering column to the rack. Basically the rubber insert part broke up and fell out of the coupling which gave the knocking problem. Maybe a different set up on the Clio but worth a look......

 

[Lee]

I read your post about yours earlier Richy, it does sound very similar.

I've never had it before on previous Renault Sport Clios, but it's getting noticable on mine as I can feel it through my trainers on smooth road surfaces.

I'll let you know how I get on this afternoon, although that's more likely to be how many service staff were required to drag me out of the garage.

I might pop in the other dealer I pass on my way home and ask them to have a look also. They've not had to put up with me for a while so it's about time I paid them a visit.

 

[richy92]

Test it out on another clio - I bet yours is not the only one, however, it is also worth checking a brand new clio as I bet its not noticable then.
To me the rack is broke - end of - steering racks should not clunk they should be smooth with ZERO play. Of course getting reno to admit something is faulty, is similar to getting blood from a stone.
I never know what to do - they cant identify anything, cant fix anything and this time round my cars been there 3 weeks.
I have the money for a new Clio 197 - but I will NEVER buy a new reno again, dont get me wrong its not the car's - but I cannot put up with the terrible afterservice.

 

[richy92]

Had the same thing albeit many moons ago on my old R5 GT Turbo. Exactly the same syptoms as you mentioned feeling a knocking through pedals/floorpan when you wobble the steering. It ended up being a small 2 bolt coupling with rubber inserts which connects the main steering column to the rack. Basically the rubber insert part broke up and fell out of the coupling which gave the knocking problem. Maybe a different set up on the Clio but worth a look......

Hmm - there is a rubber joint at the bottom of the coloum on my 182 - I inspected it and it seems to be ok. Did wonder if anyone had welded this up yet on the 182 - I know they do it on the older clios.

Anyone comment ???

 

[Dansta]

mine does it everynow and then. cant make it do it all the time tho. only really when im nto expecting it... i.e if i have it on full lock coming off my drive. its more of a click.

 

[Lee]

It's booked in for a couple of weeks time for it to be looked at, as well as having the engine mounts done again and a 12k service.

 

[tidyclio]

although on a different model i've been having this problem recently.
thought the same that it would be the steering rack or driveshafts as it only can be hard at low speeds when about halfway to full lock either direction.
i've changed the complete rack and two driveshafts.neither of which made any difference,the weird things is i can feel the clicking/knocking and it comes from both sides.
i can't think why but i'm putting it down to my wishbones as it started almost as soon as they were changed

 

[16v_jon]

tiDY? Did you change the wishbones with genuine ren parts?
get the sensor? i only sent it yesterday

 

[tidyclio]

nope lol they were motorfactor parts,didnt say if they were o/e parts,presume not but then the price difference was only about £8!why?i get the feeling your going to make me regret getting them cheap!
not got the sensor yet mate thanks for sending it will probobly arrive in the nick of time,cars almost undriveable!