Hey Folks.
I'm in trouble and need your help. I bought an Albi Blue 197 about 6 months ago, have to say, absolutely love it. The clutch was slipping when i got the car so it was the first job i done. It was also pulling to the left so when the mechanic was doing the clutch, I asked him to replace both inner tie rods as he had mentioned there was play in one of them. He done that, tracked it after and it felt amazing.
Recently I fitted H&R 30/40mm lowering springs and put 25 mil H&R spacers on the rear, it felt even better. I'd say it improved handling by 15%. Cornering had never been so much fun
Although it handled well, the look of the front wheels under the arches, did not fill me with joy so I initially put 7mm spacers on the front (a lot cheaper than the H&R's and I didn't have to replace the bolts). It didn't feel great so I brought it to a reputable tyre company to get it tracked and balanced. It felt much better (but still not as solid in the front as it had without the front spacers). Anyway, after much front end starring and pondering, I decided to bite the bullet and order 20mm H&R spacers for the front, got them fitted, looked perfect. These cars really do look amazing when they're dropped and widened.
This was about 4 or 5 weeks ago and ever since, the car has been pulling to the left. It's also suffering from a slight steering wheel shake at speeds over 40mph. I brought it back to the tyre company to see if it needed to be tracked again after the spacers were fitted, they said it didn't but would check the tyres. After a quick inspection they diagnosed the issue as front tyres (even though there was about 75% thread left on them). I took their word, done a bit of research and the best value for money Vs handling tyre I came up with was the Hankook V12's. Ordered them, got them fitted last week and you'll never guess... still pulling to the left Got them to check the tracking again, they said it's perfect (thanks for the diagnosis lads)
I brought it back to a company I deal with who order and fit performance parts. I had ordered the powerflex upper torque arm bush and had it booked in with their guy to fit it this week. I explained the whole situation and asked if all the tie rod ends, ARB links, ball joints could be checked (in the hope that it was something simple). I got a call that evening to say everything was 100% with the steering although the lower engine mount is shot. Surely this couldn't be the issue,could it? Everything else looks perfect, there's new tyres, it's fully tracked, new inner tie rods... why is it pulling to the left? Anyone??
I've read about the subframe issues with Clio 197's, the fact that the bolt holes are bigger than the bolts. I've read that there's some kit available in Japan for £250 (hoping to avoid this option) but I've also read that a simple washer can resolve the issue. I've explained this to my mechanic and he's willing to take the job on, the only thing he has asked is to see if there is any confirmation on exactly what needs to be done or what washers to use. He doesn't want to drop the subframe without having the right parts to hand. Has anyone here done the job? Can you give me any tips to pass on to my mechanic?? I know when this issue is sorted, the car is going to feel amazing. The torque arm bush has tightened things up so much, it almost feels quicker now and there's great grip from the new tyres. I just want it to go in a straight line.. is that too much to ask?
Sorry for such a long winded question, I just wanted to give you a full back round to the work that's been carried out.
Hope you're all well and thanks in advance for any suggestions
I'm in trouble and need your help. I bought an Albi Blue 197 about 6 months ago, have to say, absolutely love it. The clutch was slipping when i got the car so it was the first job i done. It was also pulling to the left so when the mechanic was doing the clutch, I asked him to replace both inner tie rods as he had mentioned there was play in one of them. He done that, tracked it after and it felt amazing.
Recently I fitted H&R 30/40mm lowering springs and put 25 mil H&R spacers on the rear, it felt even better. I'd say it improved handling by 15%. Cornering had never been so much fun
Although it handled well, the look of the front wheels under the arches, did not fill me with joy so I initially put 7mm spacers on the front (a lot cheaper than the H&R's and I didn't have to replace the bolts). It didn't feel great so I brought it to a reputable tyre company to get it tracked and balanced. It felt much better (but still not as solid in the front as it had without the front spacers). Anyway, after much front end starring and pondering, I decided to bite the bullet and order 20mm H&R spacers for the front, got them fitted, looked perfect. These cars really do look amazing when they're dropped and widened. This was about 4 or 5 weeks ago and ever since, the car has been pulling to the left. It's also suffering from a slight steering wheel shake at speeds over 40mph. I brought it back to the tyre company to see if it needed to be tracked again after the spacers were fitted, they said it didn't but would check the tyres. After a quick inspection they diagnosed the issue as front tyres (even though there was about 75% thread left on them). I took their word, done a bit of research and the best value for money Vs handling tyre I came up with was the Hankook V12's. Ordered them, got them fitted last week and you'll never guess... still pulling to the left
Got them to check the tracking again, they said it's perfect (thanks for the diagnosis lads)I brought it back to a company I deal with who order and fit performance parts. I had ordered the powerflex upper torque arm bush and had it booked in with their guy to fit it this week. I explained the whole situation and asked if all the tie rod ends, ARB links, ball joints could be checked (in the hope that it was something simple). I got a call that evening to say everything was 100% with the steering although the lower engine mount is shot. Surely this couldn't be the issue,could it? Everything else looks perfect, there's new tyres, it's fully tracked, new inner tie rods... why is it pulling to the left? Anyone??
I've read about the subframe issues with Clio 197's, the fact that the bolt holes are bigger than the bolts. I've read that there's some kit available in Japan for £250 (hoping to avoid this option) but I've also read that a simple washer can resolve the issue. I've explained this to my mechanic and he's willing to take the job on, the only thing he has asked is to see if there is any confirmation on exactly what needs to be done or what washers to use. He doesn't want to drop the subframe without having the right parts to hand. Has anyone here done the job? Can you give me any tips to pass on to my mechanic?? I know when this issue is sorted, the car is going to feel amazing. The torque arm bush has tightened things up so much, it almost feels quicker now and there's great grip from the new tyres. I just want it to go in a straight line.. is that too much to ask?
Sorry for such a long winded question, I just wanted to give you a full back round to the work that's been carried out.
Hope you're all well and thanks in advance for any suggestions
