What parts for a suspension refresh of a 172 cup?

[ex-Chinese Dave]

As per title what is needed to refresh but keep it factory spec for road use only?

So far i'm guessing these :

Steering rack ends
Track rod ends
Wish bones (I read that these are NLA from Renault so re-bush the ones I have or is there a decent pattern part?)
Top mounts (now there's a surprise!)
Front shocks
Rear shocks
Geometry set up (Blink Motorsport has gone so where in the North West is good?)
Decent tyres (this can wait a while)

Is there anything else? Engine mounts seem ok. Is there anything on the subframe to change? I'm trying not to spend a lot of money on the car but i'd want it to feel fresh for the road. Not interested in poly-bushing.

 

[Matt Cup]

Arb bushes inner and outer (I need to do mine and I believe it’s a pita).

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

Oh, and front springs. I'm guessing Eibach are most peoples choice but are the OE ones available still?

 

[Mr Underhill]

No OEM springs sadly, but as you’ve sad; Eibach Pro_kit are the way to go.

OSF Wishbones no longer available but you can still get NSF. I’d do that and refurb the OSF and replace the bushes.

I have a list of 182 parts which many will fit yours, but it also lists OEM alternatives which might help if you can’t get directly from Renault. I can send that over. My RB thread also had a huge list of what I did to it. Cost me a fortune but most parts on mine had been replaced with cheap aftermarket bits, so I had no choice. Try and salvage what you can and replace with new what you absolutely must.

 

[Brigsy]

Worth doing the steering rack bushes whilst in the area assuming its on oem rack. I have powerflex ones on mine, no idea if oem still available.

Id say you have the rest covered ok though. Itll drive loads better with fresh suspension and steering parts on.

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

I fancy changing the wishbones myself (and maybe some other bits). I know that one of the wishbones is no longer available so which make of parts which aren’t Renault are best to use?

I’ll keep my old wishbones and probably get them rebushed.

 

[Brigsy]

Refurb the oem wishbones or a spare set of oem. I believe any aftermarket arms wont have the correct cup spec castor.

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

How difficult is it to remove and replace the bushes? Do you need a press or is there any way to use the weight of the car (bear with me) to be lowered onto the bush to push it into the hole?

Ok. I’m guessing it’s a press.

 

[Brigsy]

Its a pretty horrible job to do the bushes.

I usually remove them with fire and a hacksaw. Large vice will usually do to fit the new ones if you dont have a press.

Press is a better option though loads easier.

 

[alistairolsen]

Rear beam bushes

 

[Brigsy]

Rear beam bushes

100%. Every set of originals ive seen are well on their way out.

 

[Matt Cup]

Are rear beam bushes a pita to change?

 

[Brigsy]

Ive not personally done a set, i think you need a tool to do them in situ. @Mr Underhill is the man to ask.

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

New top mounts, new ball joints and a decent set of Eibach Sportlines sorted.

Still looking for the other bits if anyone has any new items going.