MOT Time

[Pedro197]

Hey guys,

So went to get the Clio 197 assessed so I could get an idea what im up for on the MOT and this is what I got back :-(

Rear Discs x 2
Rear Pads x 2
Front Inner Track Rod x 2
Front Lower Ball Joints x 2
Suspension Arm x 2
Outer Track Rod

Parts and Labour = £883

At this stage I nearly fell off my seat

Anyone have any suggestions from experience where I can order these parts from, I would rather attempt to change the parts myself and take it in for the MOT when I'm ready ;-)

Im based in London, so if you know any good reliable (affordable) mechanics that could do this, please give me a shout.

Pedro
197 (07)

 

[GazMav]

Sounds like a quick fit/Halfords MOT?
Anything picked up on the last MOT as advisories?
TBH, the price doesn't seem too bad if the works actually required.

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[Pedro197]

I haven't thought about Halfords TBH. Might give them a bell and see what they say.

Yep a few advisories, one light was discoloured, nothing part of the list I provided previously.

 

[GazMav]

I haven't thought about Halfords TBH. Might give them a bell and see what they say.

Yep a few advisories, one light was discoloured, nothing part of the list I provided previously.

Sorry I meant that with a typical tyre/exhaust place they tend to be strict in items they like to replace, aka they make it up.
I wouldn't use Halfords.
If you are doing the bits yourself then:
Eurocarparts
GSF Car parts
Andrew Page
Car parts for less (same as euro but sometimes cheaper)

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[Jimmy]

Hi Pedro, welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you had a bit of a shock when you got the list back. As above, a pre check is not an MOT test and they could well just be touting for business. Use it as a guide so you have some idea of what MIGHT come up on the actual test.

With regards parts, MTEC are a good alternative for brake discs - reasonably priced, decent quality and I had no issues with them when I had them on my 197. https://www.mtecbrakes.com/index.php

As for the ball joints - an RS specialist is your best bet for this work - a 'regular' garage will often supply the whole assembly therefore making it a lot more expensive, however this is not strictly necessary. A specialist should be cheaper, as they only change the parts that are required. This is not the easiest job to do.

As for the other steering/suspension parts, they are common bits to wear and need to be replaced over time.

Good luck with it all, let us know how you get on and please ask if you need any more help or advice.

 

[Dumdum]

I’d be very cautious about an mot pre test, the items they have listed may be advises, and if you’ve just bought the car it maybe that the rear discs just need use and that will clean them up a bit, did they say what was actually up with each of the individual items? Or just give you a potential bill of what maybget picked up?

Also if you feel okay in the rack ends it can also be misconstrued as bottom ball joints? Are the wishbone bushes perished? Not a fail...

Sounds like you have a worst case list and not definitely fails for the most part, I’d take it for an actual MOT and get a factual list

 

[HyperSquiZ]

Im based in London, so if you know any good reliable (affordable) mechanics that could do this, please give me a shout.

I would recommend getting TwoTechs to do the work. I've had them do a few things on my 197 lately and have always found their prices to be really good. Being a Specialist they know the cars really well and get the job done quick (saves on labour costs).

Also for rear discs and pads, k-tec have an offer on genuine drilled with pads (select the 30mm options)
http://www.k-tecracing.com/show_product.asp?id=4903&appid=3

 

[Pedro197]

Thank you to all who provided some advice and suggestions. Will give some of these places a buzz on Monday morning to find out prices and so on.

Has anyone tried changing the rear discs on the 197's, if so what sort of degree of difficulty would these be on a 1 - 10 scale?

I've done pads before but never attempted to change discs, I know these have a built in bearing as well so I'm hoping this does not add to the level of difficulty.

Pedro

 

[Dumdum]

Thank you to all who provided some advice and suggestions. Will give some of these places a buzz on Monday morning to find out prices and so on.

Has anyone tried changing the rear discs on the 197's, if so what sort of degree of difficulty would these be on a 1 - 10 scale?

I've done pads before but never attempted to change discs, I know these have a built in bearing as well so I'm hoping this does not add to the level of difficulty.

Pedro

It’s simple, remove caliper and carrier, unbolt old disc assembly, slide on new, torque to 175nm and reassemble, you need a decent torque wrench but other than that nowt hard about doing rear discs

 

[LOCKE]

Ball joints will come with the arms, you will need a special tool for inner track rods. All work easy enough to do with the right tools and knowledge. As said above rear discs are very easy. I get my OEM parts from @renaultpartsdirect Brembo stuff you will get at ECP.

 

[petercronin]

If you’ve done the pads without any issue the rear discs shouldn’t be a problem for you. I think the discs the easier one of the two to do. As mentioned just get yourself a big ish torque wrench.

There’s a how to guide if you want to have a look for it.