Uncategorised

Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from MEYLE, says the following difficulty may arise with the Renault Clio:

Stabiliser links often worn out

Problem:

Intense strain and high surface pressure wear and stress on the ball joint. This causes a premature failure of the ball joint and generates noise at the front axle.

Solution:

MEYLE in-house engineers increased the diameter of the ball head of the ball joint to 22 mm, in addition to using wear-resistant synthetic ball sockets with high-tech grease. The reduction of the surface pressure ensures a significantly longer lifetime.

Renault Clio petrol engines can suffer with contamination build up on the throttle valve in the throttle body preventing the throttle valve opening and closing correctly resulting in poor running and a lack of power. This is one area a garage should look at when servicing. If any contamination build up is found, the throttle body should be removed and cleaned. After refitting it is also important to check the throttle body is operating correctly and reset if required.

ZF Services UK recommends two vital checks when replacing a concentric slave cylinder on the Renault Clio.

First, carefully compare the diameter of the hydraulic connection on the new CSC with that on the removed component. Renault uses more than one connector size (e.g. 11.7mm or 13.3mm) on CSCs with otherwise identical dimensions, and sourcing the correct part using the VIN alone is not always reliable. Fitting the wrong part can lead to fluid leakage and clutch operating problems.

Renault Clio 2005 onwards

These Renault models have no pinch welds or sill flanges. It means that in order to assess or repair impact damage, the additional hire of special clamps or brackets – in order to secure the vehicle to the jig – is essential for users of most chassis straightening and repair systems.

Tri-Sphere points out that Globaljig Systems do not require additional equipment thanks to the integral all-makes design. This cost saving benefit applies to both the Globaljig Rotax and the Globaljig Mobile system.

Renault Clio 2005 onwards

Drive belt installation issues

Gates points out that premature belt failure on 1.2 16V models is inevitable if installers apply a 'general rule of thumb' when replacing the timing belt and tensioner at a scheduled change. Unless the recommended procedure is followed precisely – at every stage – the starting position of the Allen Key will be incorrect. This will cause the tensioner to make contact with the cylinder head, become blocked and unable to rotate.

As the belt runs across the now 'solid' tensioner, the intense heat generated will be transferred to other components in the drive, making early failure inevitable and engine destruction a likely outcome.

[caption id="attachment_12002" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Crankshaft sensor"][/caption]

VOSA has a record of a recall for cars built between 14 December 2005 and 16 February 2006 to have the brake light switch replaced due to the switch melting as a result of the grease in the contacts overheating. Technicians should be aware of this when diagnosing brake lights not working.

A few notes about the Renault Clio (2005 onwards)

Engine Oil

For this particularly series of Clio, the manufacturer uses several different specifications for engine oil which should be covered by Comma Syner-G, Comma Syner-D, Syner-Z or Ecoren. It’s very important to use the right product for the vehicle you are servicing.

The third-generation Renault Clio was unveiled in 2005 with a range of engine sizes including 1.0-litre, 1.4-litre, 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Castrol advises technicians to ensure that they use lubricants with the correct OEM specification, as there are three separate Renault specifications relevant to the Mk 3 Clio: RN 0700 for petrol engines, RN 0710 for diesel engines without a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and RN 0720 for diesel engines with a DPF.

Only fully-synthetic formulations that have the relevant Renault RN 0700/RN 0710/RN 0720 should be used, as these will meet the OEM requirements for extended mileage intervals and any other lubricant could ultimately reduce the efficiency, performance and longevity of the engine.

Renault Clio 2005 onward

Valve Stem Seals

The engine heating and cooling characteristics on the Renault engine can turn stem seals brittle and cause oil leaks into the combustion chamber. If there is a slight bit of smoke on ignition is confirmed and later diagnosed as a valve stem seal problem, the Corteco 19036105 Valve Stem Seal kit is the available off-the-shelf solution.

Engine Plug Kit

Standard times for oil services have been unnecessarily extended by oil sump plug removal and re-tightening problems on this model. Corteco says re-threading is an inefficient use of the skilled mechanic's time that takes risks with the integrity of the engine and the garage's reputation.

Common issues

The ABS light comes on intermittently, the cause is down to the front driveshaft sensor ring being corroded and loose on the shaft.

Not starting when raining or in wet conditions, this is due to moisture in the engine management relay under hood fuse box.

Banging noise from front when cornering on rough road surfaces, front lower arms/ball joints even when not showing any signs of wear.

A whining noise from the engine when it is hot is due to the water pump bearing failing.

A running water noise in the roof area after heavy rain, is down to water gathering in the roof space due to a perished gasket between sun roof frame and outer roof panel.