Lower ball joint clio 197

[Pat_hyde]

I dropped my Clio 197 off at a Renault specialist today to try and get an answer for why it was making a horrible high pitched noise on hard lock when parking to be told it was due to my wheels being too wide and they were scraping on on the smashed plastic inner wheel arches on hard lock. I was then told my near side front lower ball joint had completely worn and was causing a knocking noise, and they quoted me £500 as the ball joint is made up of two parts costing £174 each, which are clio sport specific and have to be ordered from France. £500 seems an awful lot for a lower ball joint and labour to fit it?! Do I need to look else where or is this just a pain in the arse which I have to fork out on?!

 

[Ianboom]

There's quite a few threads around on this if you do a google search.
The bottom swivel is common and is £200 a side as it comes as part of an ally casting that the hub mounts to. Apparently there's a company that will replace the swivel for about £60ish, plus you need to remove and send them the hub.
I don't think the top swivel failing is a common problem.
Renault quoted £200 to replace the swivel, so I did it myself!

 

[Pat_hyde]

There's quite a few threads around on this if you do a google search.
The bottom swivel is common and is £200 a side as it comes as part of an ally casting that the hub mounts to. Apparently there's a company that will replace the swivel for about £60ish, plus you need to remove and send them the hub.
I don't think the top swivel failing is a common problem.
Renault quoted £200 to replace the swivel, so I did it myself!

Yeah I've been looking around but have been getting mixed messages! So £200 pound for each side of the ball joint then £100 for labour is the price I should expect to pay? Christ £500 for one ball joint is a killer!

 

[Ianboom]

If it was me I'd check both swivels are shot first.
If you can do it yourself, Adam a trader on here from Renault Wolverhampton is cheapest for new parts, otherwise you can send the hub away for refurbishing.
If you can't do it, there are several independent traders on here who won't rip you off.
I did mine 2 years ago and Renault denied it was an issue, seems to be getting more common ¡

 

[Pat_hyde]

If it was me I'd check both swivels are shot first.
If you can do it yourself, Adam a trader on here from Renault Wolverhampton is cheapest for new parts, otherwise you can send the hub away for refurbishing.
If you can't do it, there are several independent traders on here who won't rip you off.
I did mine 2 years ago and Renault denied it was an issue, seems to be getting more common ¡

I wouldn't know what to look for unfortunately! He just said the lower ball joint had worn completely so need both new parts as it doesn't come separately? Could you recommend a place which specialises in Renault sports? I would use ktec for it but they're a 400mile round trip for me

 

[Ianboom]

You need to let us know where you are, there are some good traders on this site, there may also be a member who can help you!
If it's only the lower swivel £500 is more than Renault would charge to replace it?? Which specialist did you go to?

 

[Dan@SJM]

I'm in somerset if that's any closer to you @Pat_hyde

The last one I did came in at just over £250, but there was a lot of problems doing the job.

 

[Ianboom]

Was going to suggest Dan! Will be in Somerset between xmas and new year as my brother lives in Blue Anchor!

 

[Matt38]

just had mine done at my local garage, they had loads of problems doing it but I paid £330 in the end. I did have to take it back as the new hub worked loose due to corrosion

 

[Pat_hyde]

I'm in somerset if that's any closer to you @Pat_hyde

The last one I did came in at just over £250, but there was a lot of problems doing the job.

 

[Pat_hyde]

I'm in somerset if that's any closer to you @Pat_hyde

The last one I did came in at just over £250, but there was a lot of problems doing the job.

Where abouts are you in Somerset mate? Have already had the problem sorted now but I am looking for a clio sport specialist for future reference

 

[Dan@SJM]

I'm based over in glastonbury