MOT Gripes...

[Richnd1974]

My car just failed its MOT, not a problem, as I know she is getting on a bit.

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Would changing the triangle control arm solve this problem - was looking at these https://www.franzose.de/de/Renault/R4/Vorderachse/ANR83048/

I was thinking about replacing both sides, as I know they have aged.

It's also got this as an advisory - was thinking of just replacing the rack with a new one - what's everyone's thoughts, I think it's original, and so it's been on the car for over 250,000km
Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) REQUIRES REPACEMENT

I am not too worried, at least she has no root and runs sweet.

Cheers
Richard

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Richard

You can change just the bushes (more likely culprit than the pin/bolt) which would work out cheaper than changing the arm but the old ones can be a pain to get out and the new ones can be a pain to press in without access to a press (if you need to use heat to remove the old ones, the arms can warp if too much heat is applied). It would be less hassle to change the whole arm. It would be a choice between saving a bit of money but extra labour for a bush change or paying a bit more for an arm but saving on the labour.

With regards to the steering rack, if it is the steering arm causing the play these can be changed, if the cause is that the steering rack bushes are worn, these can be changed too. If your R4 is right hand drive, it will be hard to find a new or even used steering rack. If the rack is worn internally then you would need to find a replacement in any case. If RHD, I would therefore refurbish with new steering arms/bushes after having determined which is causing the play as a replacement rack would be hard to obtain. If LHD it would be feasible to source a replacement rack.

If you get stuck for parts, just get back to me.

I hope the above helps.

 

[Richnd1974]

Thank you for your comments. I am with you. Replacing the upper suspension arms with the new bushes in place would be easier for me. I suspect the others have been on there for decades.
My car is a LHD, and so I have seen a new rack for £130. I think that might be the quickest and easiest solution. I replaced the track rod end a couple of years ago, so I can just get the rack and use the existing tie rods

Der Franzose, although pricey, has everything I need, unless someone else is cheaper.

 

[Andy McGhee]

Richard
The play in the rack inner joint - on the side opposite the steering wheel - is a classic R4/5/6 thing. 'Requires replacement' probably refers to the inner bush, rather than the whole rack - you've probably seen the kit on Der Franzose.
You used to be able to get Quinton Hazell upper wishbones pretty easily - QSA210S and QSA211S. But if the problem is just the bushes, you can replace them fairly easily yourself, with just a long bolt and some tubes/sockets. Just make sure you remove/replace one at a time, so the space between the two bushes remains the same. It's fiddly, requires patience, but rewarding!




Good info here on the rack bush:

Réfection du boitier de crémaillère de direction

Réfection d'un boitier de crémaillère 2ème modèle de Renault 4 (depuis 1967)

www.la4ldesylvie.fr

 

[trichens]

Has anyone tried polyurethane bushes?
I'm "recommissioning" a DRK and might be looking to replace "ALL" the rubbers bushes on the front as some show some cracking.