Clio 172 Xenon HID Ballast pack + Top mount 'grinding'

[hewlett]

Hello All

Renault just quoted me £318 + VAT to supply and fit 1 x the behind the bumper ballast pack, a headlight has stopped working.

I've logged a request with findapart.com to see if I can get the pack cheaper, does anyone know how difficult these are to replace?

My suspension top mount needs grinding down (ohh errr) operation to stop it moving/knocking (Renualt's diagnosis and 'fix'), has anyone had this carried out? I think it's to make the suspension stay in place in the top mounts.

Cheers

H

[John D.]

RE top mount grinding. I've heard mixed reports about Renaults 'fix', pretty sure EVO referred to it in a 172 buying guide saying it does not always work and can lead to corrosion issues if they don't seal up the bit they grind properly.

My car has knocked on bumps sometimes when corning and grinded slightly on full lock since I got it. I just live with it as I'm confident its not doing any damage.

One solution I did try was to fit some washers (3-5mm I can't remember exactly now) beneath the suspension top mounts. This was suggested by a guy from Yozzasport (RS Renault specialist/track day prep outfit) as he had seen the Clio V6 came fitted with such from the factory, presumably to solve the same problem. It did'nt work on my car however Quite a few 172 owners on cliosport.net did try the same and I think it worked for some. Different front suspension setup on my Cup may have been a factor, I don't know.

Is this something that has only recently started happening on your car Hewlett?

[hewlett]

Hello and thanks for this.

Great info about the top mount thing, I may just get the job done but not by Renault (K-Tech tell me it's a very quick job they've done before) and see if it works. It's been 'clonking' for about 2 years, I had all suspension bits replaced but it still started doing it after a month. The garage told me that the suspension moves around, destroys the top mount rubbers, and the rubbers need replacing continuously without the grind job. Although it doesn't affect the handling it does bug me as I do huge mileage in the car, also, for that month where the rubber bits were working the road noise was less and as it wasn't metal on metal where the shocks meet the body.

Cheers

Steve

[hewlett]

I probably have that Evo in my Evo Pile (ointment is effective), will take a look at what it says

[John D.]

No problem Steve. I think the issue you want is around Spring '06 maybe a bit earlier, I remember as it came out around the time I was starting to look at 172s'.

You've given me some food for thought too with regards K-tec stating that the suspension movement wears out the strut mount bearings. I had both mine replaced back in August on the last service - garage said they'd never seen some so worn! The car had sustained some quite hard (ab)use over the past couple of years though Had'nt notice any deterioration in handling despite a snapped rear spring to boot.

I might enquire about getting mine sorted next service. Let me know how you get on.