it went to danny a couple of weeks ago and everything checked out fine (apart from the camber being a bit on the extreme side) which left only a knocking sound coming from the rack area/newly replaced rack. it's currently at a renault dealer who have had a good look at it and have advised the sound is coming from the universal joint. they say there's no play in the joint and they wouldn't recommend changing it, but they've used stethoscopes apparently and that's where the sound is coming from.
sooooooo..... unless i accidently come across a steering column and feel like fitting it, it looks like i'm still getting shot of the clio. it's not going into anymore garages for this problem, apart from maybe to get some camber bolts to sort out my camber so i don't kill my tyres. i figured two well respected renault specialists and a renault dealer have had a look, i won't get much better than that. i'm going to run it through the winter- i figured i've spent a fair whack on it, i may as well get some use out of it- and replace it next year. i'm not against getting another one (a 182 if i do it again) at least i'll know what to look for. either that or a diesel for the commute, an A3 or VRS.