Gave the car a good clean and polish this weekend, fitted the ABS brackets as recommended by @RustyMojo and had the ABS light on at one point, unrelated I am sure, but it hasn't reappeared so hopefully it's nothing and not another ABS sensor on its way out. Also can't help but notice the front number plate looks a little wonky in the photos so will have to double check that's not just because of an odd camera angle.
ClioSport.net
Register a free account today to become a member!
Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more here.
RB 182 Project
- Thread starter Travis
- Start date
Could still hear a slight knocking when turning so set about replacing the top mounts and replacing the top spring platforms that were rusting away. The spring platforms arrived but not coated in anything so gave them a light rustproof coating before fitting, also went over and cleaned the rusty bits around the shock (such as the bits with the rusty bolts through them that the shocks mount to in the above post) and coated them. New genuine top mounts fitted and the last of the knocking appears to have disappeared. Whilst the shocks were out I gave the wheels a quick, cheap recoat as the paint had started to flake, didn't really like the red either, its not amazing but better than what they were and should last for a little while longer. At the same time I went over the flaking red brake callipers with a dark grey, closer to the colour of the wheels but mostly just to make them not stand out as much and give a bit of a subtler look.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Not much to update but then there doesn't appear to have been anything new to repair or replace since the springs went, even the airbag light is finally behaving itself. Only recent updates are replacing a few trim clips and refitting some interior panels to remove the last of the rattling.
Seem to have forgotten to mention a few bits as well such as the door bullets have been refurbished and refitted in the standard colour, new upper grille and the appropriate stickers replaced, locking fuel cap that matches the main key so no longer needed the extra one just to unlock the fuel cap.
Noticed some bubbling on the paint on the driver side rear arch recently, only minor so not urgent yet, various other bits and the underside is starting to show its age although it has kept well considering and I have seen far worse with similar mileage, so by no means is it not treatable in its current condition planning to get the whole thing off road and sorted late summer this year.
Other things to keep an eye on are the belts as they are beginning to perish so may need replacing sooner than would otherwise be needed, and the exhaust isn't in the best shape after years of abuse so will be looking at getting one made that's quieter and closer to a standard example, likely after the rust treatment/repairs.
Seem to have forgotten to mention a few bits as well such as the door bullets have been refurbished and refitted in the standard colour, new upper grille and the appropriate stickers replaced, locking fuel cap that matches the main key so no longer needed the extra one just to unlock the fuel cap.
Noticed some bubbling on the paint on the driver side rear arch recently, only minor so not urgent yet, various other bits and the underside is starting to show its age although it has kept well considering and I have seen far worse with similar mileage, so by no means is it not treatable in its current condition planning to get the whole thing off road and sorted late summer this year.
Other things to keep an eye on are the belts as they are beginning to perish so may need replacing sooner than would otherwise be needed, and the exhaust isn't in the best shape after years of abuse so will be looking at getting one made that's quieter and closer to a standard example, likely after the rust treatment/repairs.
Yet a few more things I forgot to mention, I promise that's everything this time:
- MOT and Service through to April 2022, passed with no failures or advisories.
- Crank sensor and loom replaced with the updated version as it still had the original design of sensor that commonly fails.
- I did mention it was going to be replaced at the same time as the gearbox but can confirm the clutch was replaced for a brand new one whilst the gearbox and flywheel were being changed/fixed.
- Second key sourced, cut and coded to work with the car.
Another update with only a couple of pictures this time as its mostly been electrical issues.
The airbag light has reappeared after a long time of not seeing it, this time it wouldn't go after cleaning so got it to a specialist for looking at with a CLIP, it appeared that it had been coded incorrectly previously as it was showing all sorts of codes that they weren't expecting, promptly reprogrammed and the light has gone again, hopefully for good this time. Whilst it was in for that I also finally got the PAS fluid replaced alongside the switch, the revs no longer drop when turning at low speeds even at full lock, not sure if the pump has quietened with the new fluid or its just placebo but it just sounds smoother for general driving as well.
The other electrical issue they found that I wasn't aware of was the rear indicators crossing over when braking, and fog lights not working (Not that I ever use them), just required cleaning the contacts and was all good again.
Whilst I was waiting on the above to happen I also went about replacing the, tweeters, front and rear speakers for something a little better, also added a small under seat sub, nothing ground breaking just a small upgrade to improve the sound quality from the new stereo I installed a few months ago:
I have since moved the sub controller back and up a little so it fits better without sticking out. Overall sounds loads better without being too over the top.
Next big planned task will be the rust proofing later in the year, I am sure I will find a few smaller things between now and then however...
The airbag light has reappeared after a long time of not seeing it, this time it wouldn't go after cleaning so got it to a specialist for looking at with a CLIP, it appeared that it had been coded incorrectly previously as it was showing all sorts of codes that they weren't expecting, promptly reprogrammed and the light has gone again, hopefully for good this time. Whilst it was in for that I also finally got the PAS fluid replaced alongside the switch, the revs no longer drop when turning at low speeds even at full lock, not sure if the pump has quietened with the new fluid or its just placebo but it just sounds smoother for general driving as well.
The other electrical issue they found that I wasn't aware of was the rear indicators crossing over when braking, and fog lights not working (Not that I ever use them), just required cleaning the contacts and was all good again.
Whilst I was waiting on the above to happen I also went about replacing the, tweeters, front and rear speakers for something a little better, also added a small under seat sub, nothing ground breaking just a small upgrade to improve the sound quality from the new stereo I installed a few months ago:
I have since moved the sub controller back and up a little so it fits better without sticking out. Overall sounds loads better without being too over the top.
Next big planned task will be the rust proofing later in the year, I am sure I will find a few smaller things between now and then however...
Few more small bits done recently.
Cigarette lighter works intermittently, and is not much use anyway so cut it out and replaced with a simple USB socket. Fits in perfectly and much quicker at charging than the headunit.
Also replaced the glovebox light which I don't think had ever been working as never noticed it before.
One of the windscreen washers had been blocked since before I got the car and it's never really bothered me as hadn't needed to use it until recently, had a look round and purchased some mist washers that alot of people seem to be using, tried the cheap ones first and the aim was awful, then found another thread that suggested genuine Alfa were the only ones to use, bought and installed:
Exactly what I was looking for.
Service is due soon along with aux belt so will be getting that done in the next few weeks. Then on to getting any rust sorted and underside fully resealed.
Cigarette lighter works intermittently, and is not much use anyway so cut it out and replaced with a simple USB socket. Fits in perfectly and much quicker at charging than the headunit.
Also replaced the glovebox light which I don't think had ever been working as never noticed it before.
One of the windscreen washers had been blocked since before I got the car and it's never really bothered me as hadn't needed to use it until recently, had a look round and purchased some mist washers that alot of people seem to be using, tried the cheap ones first and the aim was awful, then found another thread that suggested genuine Alfa were the only ones to use, bought and installed:
Exactly what I was looking for.
Service is due soon along with aux belt so will be getting that done in the next few weeks. Then on to getting any rust sorted and underside fully resealed.
Service now done, water pump was found to be leaking so had that replaced at the same time as the belts.
Headlights had started to go yellow and hazing again, this headlight kit I have seems to last less and less each time, figured it was time to just get it done properly:
Seem yellower in the picture than I remember so either they were worse than I thought or it's just the lighting they used made it look a bit worse.
Was only planning to treat and sort the underside of the car for rust in the summer, so far the weather hasn't been the best for this with nowhere dry to store anymore, and quickly running out of time that I can get it done this year. Luckily there are no major rust issues yet, but I am starting to see signs of it creeping in, in particular areas so want to get it sorted sooner than I would be able to myself. Will be looking into some professional options of getting it done, and that will probably be the next major update, hopefully within the next few weeks...
Headlights had started to go yellow and hazing again, this headlight kit I have seems to last less and less each time, figured it was time to just get it done properly:
Seem yellower in the picture than I remember so either they were worse than I thought or it's just the lighting they used made it look a bit worse.
Was only planning to treat and sort the underside of the car for rust in the summer, so far the weather hasn't been the best for this with nowhere dry to store anymore, and quickly running out of time that I can get it done this year. Luckily there are no major rust issues yet, but I am starting to see signs of it creeping in, in particular areas so want to get it sorted sooner than I would be able to myself. Will be looking into some professional options of getting it done, and that will probably be the next major update, hopefully within the next few weeks...
Just finished being prepared and treated at a Rust Specialist, think its obvious who in the photos. The whole underside, sills, internal cavities (Inside doors, boot etc.) have now been cleaned, treated and protected. This should see it through at least a few more years...
It wasn't as bad as I was expecting compared to the life its had so far, nothing that wasn't treatable apparently including the sills which I had expected to need a more serious repair. Just a few of the highlights below:
Before:
After:
It wasn't as bad as I was expecting compared to the life its had so far, nothing that wasn't treatable apparently including the sills which I had expected to need a more serious repair. Just a few of the highlights below:
Before:
After:
Yeah they were happy to mask anything else that I wanted but I just went with whatever they normally do as there isn't anything special underneath that needed masking. Even sent through some pictures of the masking, I definitely wouldn't have gone to the effort of masking to the level they did if I was to do it myself...That looks great. I've been looking at getting mine rustproofed at SWRP, too. Glad to see they mask off everything so well, looks like a proper job. Great work
It seems to be just a standard price depending on what car it is/size, if any repairs were needed they would have been quoted separately and then decide if I wanted them done as well but luckily it didn't come to that. Was just under £700 including VAT and a couple of clips to put the sills back on with.
R29TJR
ClioSport Club Member
2005 RB 182 Cup
Not much happening recently, had been sitting for a while and with the rain we had a while back it started to show a few issues, mostly electrical faults where the throttle wasn't working and various lights displayed on the dash took the fuse box apart and a few bits off the engine at the same time to give a quick clean and get the worst of the black spray paint that had been poorly applied at some point in its life. Quite a bit of corrosion found in the fusebox so dried, cleaned and replaced the fuses where necessary and it was running perfectly again.
Whilst things are quiet I had a look for some photos of Renault Sports I owned previously, couldn't seem to find too many but found enough to post one of each below:
RB 197, this is the only picture I could find as I hated it and wouldn't give it the satisfaction of a photoshoot, it was my first Renault Sport and also the worst one I owned, it drove terribly, all sorts hanging off it and absolutely hated it not even sure why I got another one after selling it but glad I did as the next one I owned (pictured below) was a massive change for the better. Used to see the 197 around quite a bit, not seen it in over a year now but it appears to have been completely overhauled and was running a Megane 250 engine.
GW 200 was next, never really had any trouble with this one so glad I took the chance and got another RS, changed the exhaust over to a non-res scorpion but otherwise no major modifications or changes besides a reupholstered steering wheel, when the original started to peel after a couple of years.
AW 265, went for something a bit different next a mostly standard Megane 265 from Northern Ireland (Hence the plate), not sure there was something I didn't do to this, replaced all sorts of parts for aftermarket including a hybrid turbo, it was running ~370BHP when I got rid of it, never had any problems with this either probably as most things that could go wrong were replaced before they had a chance!
GW 220 Trophy Phase 1, Back to a Clio again but went for something a bit more practical this time with the 5 doors and automatic, the black badges were the first thing off the car when I got it but cant seem to find any decent photos of this other than the original advert I had saved. As I found with the 265 I just wasn't using this in the end and couldn't justify keeping it around so sold it and did the sensible thing, instead of one car I wasn't using bought two that I now don't use, one is a larger more practical car and the other something a bit less practical as a project...
That of course led me to this one, an RB 182, which is what this thread is all about.
RB 197, this is the only picture I could find as I hated it and wouldn't give it the satisfaction of a photoshoot, it was my first Renault Sport and also the worst one I owned, it drove terribly, all sorts hanging off it and absolutely hated it not even sure why I got another one after selling it but glad I did as the next one I owned (pictured below) was a massive change for the better. Used to see the 197 around quite a bit, not seen it in over a year now but it appears to have been completely overhauled and was running a Megane 250 engine.
GW 200 was next, never really had any trouble with this one so glad I took the chance and got another RS, changed the exhaust over to a non-res scorpion but otherwise no major modifications or changes besides a reupholstered steering wheel, when the original started to peel after a couple of years.
AW 265, went for something a bit different next a mostly standard Megane 265 from Northern Ireland (Hence the plate), not sure there was something I didn't do to this, replaced all sorts of parts for aftermarket including a hybrid turbo, it was running ~370BHP when I got rid of it, never had any problems with this either probably as most things that could go wrong were replaced before they had a chance!
GW 220 Trophy Phase 1, Back to a Clio again but went for something a bit more practical this time with the 5 doors and automatic, the black badges were the first thing off the car when I got it but cant seem to find any decent photos of this other than the original advert I had saved. As I found with the 265 I just wasn't using this in the end and couldn't justify keeping it around so sold it and did the sensible thing, instead of one car I wasn't using bought two that I now don't use, one is a larger more practical car and the other something a bit less practical as a project...
That of course led me to this one, an RB 182, which is what this thread is all about.
Another update:
Car was making some knocking and rattling sounds recently from somewhere under the front driver side, and far more than what I had previously experienced. Nothing out of place or worn on the suspension or lower arms as I was expecting it to see so got the engine taken out and engine mount investigated, don't have a picture unfortunately but the engine mount, both the metal and rubber parts had split quite significantly this was a yellow powerflex one. I replaced this for just a standard Renault engine mount and all the knocking and rattling had gone even some of the minor vibrations in the cabin I had learnt to put up with have all gone. There are still a couple I can hear occasionally on very rough roads but far more manageable and changing the other powerflex bushing on the gearbox mount should resolve that when it eventually needs doing anyway.
It had previously been suggested the car had been mapped and catcams fitted, although no proof of this so was sceptical and assumed it hadn't been. Took the opportunity after the engine mount was changed to get a quick dyno run and see both if it looked mapped and how the car had fared over the years, as can be seen below it appears much as a standard 182 should be so quite confident it hasn't had anything done, although if I have missed anything and it looks mapped feel free to correct me as only seen a couple of "Standard" 182 graphs. Overall not bad considering 105k miles and over 15 years old even if its a bit optimistic.
Car was making some knocking and rattling sounds recently from somewhere under the front driver side, and far more than what I had previously experienced. Nothing out of place or worn on the suspension or lower arms as I was expecting it to see so got the engine taken out and engine mount investigated, don't have a picture unfortunately but the engine mount, both the metal and rubber parts had split quite significantly this was a yellow powerflex one. I replaced this for just a standard Renault engine mount and all the knocking and rattling had gone even some of the minor vibrations in the cabin I had learnt to put up with have all gone. There are still a couple I can hear occasionally on very rough roads but far more manageable and changing the other powerflex bushing on the gearbox mount should resolve that when it eventually needs doing anyway.
It had previously been suggested the car had been mapped and catcams fitted, although no proof of this so was sceptical and assumed it hadn't been. Took the opportunity after the engine mount was changed to get a quick dyno run and see both if it looked mapped and how the car had fared over the years, as can be seen below it appears much as a standard 182 should be so quite confident it hasn't had anything done, although if I have missed anything and it looks mapped feel free to correct me as only seen a couple of "Standard" 182 graphs. Overall not bad considering 105k miles and over 15 years old even if its a bit optimistic.
So after all that effort to remove the black paint from a few of the bits I ended up replacing the throttle body for a used one as that was all that was available at short notice.
The revs have always been a bit unstable but nothing major or worth worrying about and couldn't quite figure out where it would be coming from so left it until it got bad enough to figure out a fix. All of a sudden it started doing the below if left in idle/neutral for more than 10 seconds:
Replaced the throttle body for the one mentioned above as a throttle body error code was showing and problem fixed, even the slightly unstable revs that has been there since I got it has vanished. Only issue now seems to be the revs drop quite low when going slow and under heavy engine load so may need to get the idle increased just to avoid any further issues but will see if it fixes it self now the throttle body has been changed.
2nd hand unit, not as clean as what was on before but works much better which is all I really care about:
The revs have always been a bit unstable but nothing major or worth worrying about and couldn't quite figure out where it would be coming from so left it until it got bad enough to figure out a fix. All of a sudden it started doing the below if left in idle/neutral for more than 10 seconds:
Replaced the throttle body for the one mentioned above as a throttle body error code was showing and problem fixed, even the slightly unstable revs that has been there since I got it has vanished. Only issue now seems to be the revs drop quite low when going slow and under heavy engine load so may need to get the idle increased just to avoid any further issues but will see if it fixes it self now the throttle body has been changed.
2nd hand unit, not as clean as what was on before but works much better which is all I really care about:
Been quiet for a while but not much going on really, had the ball joints replaced as they were starting to go, the lower engine mount replaced as that was in the same state. MoT and service next, not due a Campbeltown just yet but having it done for peace of mind especially after seeing the Aux belt that came off it last time despite being just over a year old.
Quite a bit has happened since the last update, service completed and have also moved house about three hours away from where we used to live, but this time including a new home for the Clio. The day we were due to move I noticed the coolant had dropped below minimum so topped it up and kept an eye on it for the long journey, but it was fine and didnt drop significantly again. A slight leak in the thermostat housing was seen during service, probably where all the coolant had leaked from whilst it had been sat a long time, so that was replaced and another slight leak from the sump gasket was found which will be sorted either under warranty as the place that fitted the gearbox changed all that at the same time and have agreed to look into it. If not will go about sorting it myself now that we don't need to use it. The Clio's new home needs a bit of a tidy and reorganise but its enough to keep it warm and dry for the next few years at least.
imprezaworks
ClioSport Club Member
Mk5 Golf GTI :)
Looks great
Not posted an update in over a year but still going strong. No major updates or changes besides general servicing, an annual rust treatment, a new 400 cell cat to replace the ktec sports one that had failed at the last MOT and a new battery. I found the battery was getting quite weak and struggling to start after only being sat for a day or two even after fully charging it up, decided to go for something higher spec and found one recommended on here, Bosch S5 005, seems to be the biggest lead acid battery that still fits in the battery bay with a bit of fiddling, seemed to do the trick and starts almost instantly now.
Quick picture below so it doesn't become too much text, got caught in a biker convoy/event near to me a few weeks ago and managed to get this picture off them.
Quick picture below so it doesn't become too much text, got caught in a biker convoy/event near to me a few weeks ago and managed to get this picture off them.
Started to smell a strong petrol smell about a week ago, noticeable at idle but not when moving above 30mph, jacked it up and had a look under and around with the fuel at pressure and noticed quite a severe leak coming from the fuel line yet it still ran fine and beside the smell otherwise wouldn't have noticed. Removed the leaking fuel line found the area it was leaking from to be hanging near the belts so likely came loose somehow or got trapped near to them and slowly rubbed away causing the leak. Had a look at a genuine replacement at first but they appear to be discontinued so even if I could get a new one it likely would have been just as old and potentially fragile. Bought some equivalent silicone fuel hose and also used it as an excuse to fit an aluminium fuel rail and brand new injectors I have had lying around for a few months but not made time for until now. Connected up on the underside following along some other pipes that are clear of any moving parts to the front, then rerouted it on a slightly longer path but further from the belts so there is no chance, no matter how small it was in the first place, of it happening again. Petrol smell all gone with no leaks from anywhere and running as normal again for the past week with no further issues.
Long overdue update on the 182 photos below of the brake light fix, but here’s what’s been done since my last post:
Been a while as I’ve been focused on another project (now complete), and honestly have no interest in taking on another, the Clio always seems cheap and easy in comparison.
Replaced the third brake light, rebuilt it myself with new LEDs as sourcing them in good condition is near impossible
Minimal rust picked up on MOT, small patch on the nearside rear sill where old sealing had flaked off. Sanded it back, treated with rust converter, and overcoated with Dinitrol
Replaced head unit with a single din Pioneer flip out unit
Fitted new lithium battery to save weight and tidy the bay, no issues so far and holding strong even used daily and in winter
Aircon system repaired: radiator and dryer replaced after failure, blowing cold again now
General maintenance:
All tyres now matching Michelin PS3s
New brakes all round
Servicing completed as required
Checked and greased bushings
Still a few issues to investigate:
Coolant leak or possible head gasket issue
Minor oil leak somewhere (needs tracking down)
Getting back onto it now, photos below of the brake light rebuild:
Before
The original third brake light had completely failed, the LED strip was gone, and when removed, the old brittle plastic housing cracked beyond repair. As sourcing a Cup spoiler brake light is basically impossible now, I decided to rebuild it myself.
1. Removed the old unit, which unfortunately cracked due to age and sun exposure making the plastic extremely brittle.
2. Rebuilt using a waterproof LED strip, wired into the original connector. I sealed over the top of the connector to make it watertight.
3. Fabricated a new lens from prismatic acrylic:
Cut roughly to shape
Trimmed and shaped with a Dremel
Sanded to fit the housing
4. Applied a red tint to match the original lens colour.
5. Finished with a UV resistant clear coat to prevent fading or yellowing over time.
6. Reused the original inner diffuser lens to retain a similar light pattern and diffusion to OEM. This was glued back down around the edges.
Checked polarity to ensure the LED strip worked correctly.
Tested colour and brightness against the original pattern (hence the yellow tape visible in one of the photos during checks and poor alignment).
Been a while as I’ve been focused on another project (now complete), and honestly have no interest in taking on another, the Clio always seems cheap and easy in comparison.
Replaced the third brake light, rebuilt it myself with new LEDs as sourcing them in good condition is near impossible
Minimal rust picked up on MOT, small patch on the nearside rear sill where old sealing had flaked off. Sanded it back, treated with rust converter, and overcoated with Dinitrol
Replaced head unit with a single din Pioneer flip out unit
Fitted new lithium battery to save weight and tidy the bay, no issues so far and holding strong even used daily and in winter
Aircon system repaired: radiator and dryer replaced after failure, blowing cold again now
General maintenance:
All tyres now matching Michelin PS3s
New brakes all round
Servicing completed as required
Checked and greased bushings
Still a few issues to investigate:
Coolant leak or possible head gasket issue
Minor oil leak somewhere (needs tracking down)
Getting back onto it now, photos below of the brake light rebuild:
Before
The original third brake light had completely failed, the LED strip was gone, and when removed, the old brittle plastic housing cracked beyond repair. As sourcing a Cup spoiler brake light is basically impossible now, I decided to rebuild it myself.
1. Removed the old unit, which unfortunately cracked due to age and sun exposure making the plastic extremely brittle.
2. Rebuilt using a waterproof LED strip, wired into the original connector. I sealed over the top of the connector to make it watertight.
3. Fabricated a new lens from prismatic acrylic:
Cut roughly to shape
Trimmed and shaped with a Dremel
Sanded to fit the housing
4. Applied a red tint to match the original lens colour.
5. Finished with a UV resistant clear coat to prevent fading or yellowing over time.
6. Reused the original inner diffuser lens to retain a similar light pattern and diffusion to OEM. This was glued back down around the edges.
Checked polarity to ensure the LED strip worked correctly.
Tested colour and brightness against the original pattern (hence the yellow tape visible in one of the photos during checks and poor alignment).
