Clio 197 ball joint

[Smudger71]

After having an issue with a broken spring it worked out cheaper to replace all 4 with some eibachs than one spring from Renault,this is where the problem began, the o/s/f was completely seized up and the garage had to dethread the ball joint to get the parts off, he gave us the parts required as we work for a motor factor, but it seems that to replace the ball joint it comes built into the track control arm,is this correct? Can the ball joint just be replaced by itself, or will it have to be the whole thing?
This has turned from what was a simple job into what looks like an expensive nightmare,apart from Renault who seem to charge ridiculous prices, have seen one on eBay for around 140 but has a 25 quid postage from Poland, says original part, Renault charge over 200 for the arm, and unfortunately I don't think it's a part we can get from work

 

[turkie172]

Your better trying Renault parts direct about £190, or rentune on eBay £175 with £20 back with your old one not sure if its inc in the price, or about £80 for the ball joint and get someone to refit it as it needs heat and hydraulic press so more cost. I changed the ball joint myself it's not just a straight forward 90Deg press out and in like a rear disk or front wheel bearing and can be botched up if your impatient or lax about it. Some Renault specialists will change the ball joint for a fixed fee which can be considered search the forum you'll find the info. I find the eBay abroad sellers after postage can be as expensive as buying from the UK

 

[Micah]

My N/S ball joint was replaced by my mate who's a Tech on his drive. It's a fiddly process to even get to it! You can buy the ball joints on their own from R Sport Ltd, just give John or Denise a buzz and they'll sort you out. They're about £42 plus VAT and are used in the Clio Cup race cars.

 

[Kojack]

One of mine needed doing on its MOT last month. My local garage had it for a week after mentioning they needed to order it separately due to Renault wanting silly money for the assembly. I didn't think anything more of it but sounds like they saved me some money!