Problem with front spring fitment

[panbot3000]

Hi. My 1.6 16v Clio recently failed it's MOT on a coil spring so I've bought a set of Eibach Prolines to replace the old springs.

My dad replaced the rear springs to get it through it's MOT but didn't have the tools or confidence to do the front springs so he took it to a local garage.

Now that they have been fitted though there seems to be an issue whereby the rubber nut on top of the strut (under the engine bay) doesn't fit flush. They stick up about half an inch and it just doesnt seem right.

My dad got in touch with Eibach who told him to contact K-Tec and they informed my dad that the top nut should screw down so that the strut fits flush inside the engine bay.

We plan on getting in touch with the garage tomorrow and trying to get it sorted out but get the impression they will rinse their hands of any responsibility so plan on having a go ourself.

Basically we think they may have reassembled the strut incorrectly so just wanted to know if we are right in thinking they are fitted incorrectly and if anyone has a diagram or knows the order that the struts should be assembled in?

Thanks.

 

[Fred@BTM]

the rubber top cap with the 21mm nut doesn't touch the car body and there should be a gap between it and the car if that's what you mean?

 

[panbot3000]

Yeah, I think it is the rubber cap, it sits much higher than it did before though which is the main concern. Is this normal?

Thanks.

edit- I can always upload some pics tommorrow if that will help

 

[sideways danny]

put a picture up. Most people think they're wrong when they first see them, and they're almost always completely normal

 

[panbot3000]

We went back today and they said they had fitted one of the rubbers incorrectly but the top rubber still sticks up even after they refitted it. Here's the pics anyway:

 

[Fred@BTM]

bring it down the workshop, we're 20min from coventry

 

[panbot3000]

bring it down the workshop, we're 20min from coventry

I would do but I'm at home in South Yorkshire at the moment. I'll probably be back in the area next week so I could bring it down then.

We have had a go at refitting them ourselves with reference to a Renault exploded diagram and they seemed to be fitted correctly but there is still the gap. Just concerned that it will result in play in the suspension when steering etc.

Thanks.

 

[Fred@BTM]

theres meant to be a gap

 

[panbot3000]

theres meant to be a gap

Ok, cheers. Just never fitted any lowering springs before so thanks for clearing it up.

 

[sideways danny]

there's meant to be a gap but that gap looks excessive