This is how I replaced the wishbones/lower control arms on my 2003 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi. The forward-facing bushes were badly worn and failed the MOT test.
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Great video !, . done this on my Kangoo and I think you explained this very well probably the best I have seen. I think this video will give many people the confidence to do this job. If I may offer a bit of a tip it is recommended to put the arms in their normal orientation before tightening them up as not to stress the bushes.
Thanks Skippy and you're dead right; I should've tightened up the main bolts once the weight of the car was on the arm. I have done this before on other cars so I'm not sure why I forgot this time! No excuses...
Did you get tracking / alignment done after tackling this? I've just swapped both my wishbones on my mk II Clio, and although the steering wheel is now straight (wasn't before with knackered wishbone bushes), I feel the steering is a bit off and eyeballing it, looks like I have about 3 degrees toe in when static. Do you know what the toe should be? No worries if you don't but you're quickly becoming the RU-vid authority on mk II Clios!)
Hi vyseyboy, I didn't get the alignment carried out afterwards but that's not recommended and I should've done. I don't know the toe off the top of my head but Haynes does: 0˚ 10' +/- 1-' (1.0mm +/- 1.0mm) toe out. Cheers for the comment.
Thanks for this. Eventually got mine checked out and done on a Hunter machine (I was going to DIY but couldn't get the rusty track rod jam nuts undone). Turns out I had 12mm toe in (!) and now it's bang on 1mm toe out as it should be. This highlights the importance of getting alignment after replacing wishbones. The toe had been set by a previous owner to compensate for the old, completely knackered wishbones, and was WAY out on new, tight, wishbones. Cheers!
Great video very informative do you think I can tackle this on my own I just recently did my first brake job replacing the pads and discs im a very amateur DIY mechanic do you reckon I can do this on my own ? Also how long did this job take to complete?
I can't remember how long it took to complete but work on the car always takes considerably longer when I'm filming. If you've already done some basic car servicing work (pads and discs) then you should be fine with the lower arms. Just take your time and make sure you have a reasonable selection of tools available.
Yes, there is a good chance that the noise could be worn control arm bushes but if I've learned anthing over the years, it's that suspension noises can be a bastard to pinpoint successfully... Get the car up in the air and put a big pry bar on both bushes, on each side, to see if they have significant play. While you're under there, check the ARB drop links and also check the strut top mount for wear too. I once had a car that made a loud crack/clunk under braking that turned out to be worn caliper slide pins! Cheers for watching.
