How to remove suspension noise from a Renault Clio 4

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 5/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS, YOU SPEND $50 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 2 HOURS TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • SAFETY: RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LIFTING A CAR, SEE BELOW​
BEFORE YOU START
  • Make sure to observe the safe rules for lifting a car, and working nearby or underneath​
  • The below works concern a 2016 Renault Clio 4 equipped with the 0.9 TCe engine but do apply to all Renault Clio and most FWD cars.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

How to get the rid of a front suspension noise from a Renault Clio?

You can check our troubleshooting tips for front car noises by clicking on the below link:
Nevertheless, you can also opt to replace systematically all suspension elements with a ball joint:
  • The lower control arm 
  • The external tie rod of the steering rack
  • The anti-roll bar link
This tutorial shows how to replace the tie rod and link, please follow the below link for the control arm.
If you're doing the job by yourself, it would be worth replacing all ball joints at a time to save on time and efforts especially such parts are available at a reasonable price from many car parts manufacturers, whatever the make and model of your car.

How to replace the steering rack external tie rod joint of a Renault Clio

Unscrew the tie rod ball joint nut on the wheel hub and take out the tie rod end by hand.
If it doesn't get easily separated, hit on it with a plastic hammer or even a hammer (since you're replacing it anyhow).
Use locking pliers on the tie rod and 21mm spanner to loosen the contra nut (counter nut, jam nut) of the tie rod end and move it 1cm (1/2"( away).
Use a small paint brush to put some paint on the thread, in order to refit a new ball joint at roughly the same place, not to alter significantly the wheels alignment.
Unscrew the ball joint from the steering tie rod end and take it out.

Refitting a new external ball joint to the tie rod of the steering rack

Always compare well the old and new part prior to refitting.
The length of the ball joint's bolt thread is not important, all other dimensions and shapes are to match.
Reassemble the ball joint and keep rotating it until it touches the paint mark on the tie rod.
Refit it into the wheel hub and tighten its nut to 5mKg of torque.
Block the ball joint with the contra nut.
Fit a new stabilizer bar (anti-roll bar) link and take your vehicle to the wheel alignment service.

See also our other tutorials on the Renault Clio 4:

Buy your tie rod end from our partners' store, make sure of the compatibility with your vehicle:
And more DIY tips for all types of cars: