Rear suspension repairs

[terry]

Hi everyone - I am currently looking at a potential purchase a R4 and believe there may be issues with the condition of the chassis/ suspension at the rear. I have yet to see the car- only viewed pictures so far. I was wondering what I should factor in to my offer when I finally see the car for repairing the chassis around the rear suspension assuming it may need repairing. I am aware that this is a major and costly issue with R4s and as I'm not able to this for myself, I would like to get an idea of a worst case scenario cost to basically get this repaired by a specialist. I know its a bit like 'how long is a piece of string' but if I can get an idea of potential costs, then when I see the car I can factor this in to my offer depending on the extent of the rot.

Any advice gratefully received

Terry

 

[Stuart Delahoy]

My advice would be if its rusty around the rear suspension then walk away.
Lots of lhd rust free imports out there, so unless its extra special, go that way.
Derek at Renospeed could give you an idea of the cost, but its thousands not hundreds.
Have you seen the Maroon gtl for sale in Leicester?

 

[Cornish4]

Hi Terry, Stuart is right, it can cost big money to make good the rear suspension area on a 4, it's very labour intensive, and that's assuming you can find a competent welder to do the job, as misalignment of the axle can cause big problems. Also, if there is rust in that area there will be rust elsewhere, ie, front footwells, and rear swinging-arm hangers are favourites. Even if this car is cheap, if it requires a lot of work it could be a very stressful experience, and not your ideal start to R4 ownership. Having said all that, if it appears to be solid, great, but the youngest of these cars are now over 30 years old, and they weren't known for good build quality, so have a good look around. Hope this helps, and good luck in your quest for a 4. Find a good one and you won't regret it.

Regards Brian.

 

[terry]

My advice would be if its rusty around the rear suspension then walk away.
Lots of lhd rust free imports out there, so unless its extra special, go that way.
Derek at Renospeed could give you an idea of the cost, but its thousands not hundreds.
Have you seen the Maroon gtl for sale in Leicester?

Thanks Stuart. Where is the car in Leicester advertised?

 

[terry]

Thanks Stuart. Where is the car in Leicester advertised?

 

[Stuart Delahoy]

Facebook marketplace....

 

[Stuart Delahoy]

This one look nice...
eBay item number:
153808697538

 

[terry]

Thanks for the advice guys. I tried to view the Leicester Facebook Marketplace car but was unsuccessful. However, the good news is that I have now purchased a 1989 Spanish lhd with 103,000 Kilometre mileage. Its absolutely sound underneath. I'm currently going through the process to get a NOVA and an DVLA UK registration number. Looking forward to driving my new car!

Thanks again
Terry

 

[John Edmonds]

Well done Terry! A very good decision... I definitely agree with Stuart and Brian that the way to start with a Renault 4 is to go for a rust-free LHD version from sunny Europe. Ours also came from Spain with a few dent and head gasket issues, but blessed with one family ownership, very low mileage unmarked interior as new and all the documentation.... see the attached PDF. Simple old-school mechanical empathy and you're on the road!