How to change shock absorbers: Renault Clio

Follow this detailed shocks replacement guide for a Renault Clio to make sure your shocks are correctly fitted. Steps may vary somewhat depending on the model of the car.

Getting Started

To get started, make sure you safely raise the vehicle using a vehicle lift, remove the wheels, and have the following tools at your disposal:

  • KYB Front Shock Absorber for Renault Clio – R&L: Excel-G, Twin Tube (Part No. 333744)
  • KYB Rear Shock Absorber for Renault Clio – R&L: Excel-G, Twin Tube (Part No. 344810)
  • Tools:
    • Socket wrench: 10, 13, 16, 18 mm
    • Spanner: 16, 18 mm
    • Screwdrivers: 5, 6, 16, 18 mm
  • Penetrating oil
  • Heavy-duty ratchet strap
  • Coil spring compressor
  • Transmission jack lift

How to replace front shocks on Renault Clio

  1. Apply a little penetrating oil to the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle.
  2. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor, shock absorber wiring and brake piping.
  3. Unscrew ABS cable holder with a 10 mm drive socket.
  4. Remove the fastening bolts using a 5 mm screwdriver and 16 mm spanner.
  5. Remover the stabiliser link.
  6. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber using an 18 mm socket.
  7. Raise the steering knuckle using a transmission lift.
  8. Secure steering knuckle with a heavy-duty ratchet strap.
  9. Remove windscreen wipers using a 16 mm socket.
  10. Remove cowl grille panel.
  11. Unscrew the top screw of the shock strut mount with a 10 mm and 13 mm socket. Be sure to support the shock absorber to make sure it doesn’t fall out.
  12. Remove the shock absorber.
  13. Place the shock absorber and coil on the spring compressor tool.
  14. Spray the top strut mount bolt with penetrating oil.
  15. Remove the top strut mount with 6 mm and 18 mm screwdrivers.
  16. Install the coil spring on the new shock absorber.
  17. Install the shock strut mount and fasten bolts using 18 mm and 6 mm (6.2 daN.m) screwdrivers. Make sure the coil spring, shock absorber and top strut mount align correctly.
  18. Place the new shock absorber back in the wheel arch of the vehicle and fatsen the top screws of shock strut, but do not fully tighten yet.
  19. Remove the heavy-duty ratchet strap from the steering knuckle and attach the new shock absorber strut to the steering knuckle.
  20. Install the fastening bolts and tighten them using an 18 mm ring spanner and 18 mm (10.5 daN.m) socket.
  21. Re-fit the stabiliser link and secure it with a 16 mm spanner and a 5 mm (4.4 daN.m) screwdriver.
  22. Re-attach the ABS cable holder with a 10 mm socket.
  23. Re-connect wheel speed sensor, shock absorber wiring and brake piping.
  24. Re-install the wheel and lower the vehicle.
  25. Tighten the shock strut top fastening screws using a 13 mm (2.1 daN.m) socket, followed by a 10 mm socket.
  26. Re-install the cowl grille panel and windscreen wipers using a 16 mm socket.

How to replace rear shocks on Renault Clio

  1. Open the boot lid and remove the cargo cover.
  2. Remove the boot side lining with Torx T20.
  3. Raise the steering knuckle using a transmission jack lift.
  4. Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber with a 6 mm and 16 mm screwdriver bit.
  5. Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber using an 18 mm drive socket.
  6. Remove the shock absorber and place the new shock absorber in the wheel arch.
  7. Secure the new shock absorber to the lower fastener with an 18 mm spanner.
  8. Screw the upper fastener of the shock absorber using 6 mm and 16 mm screwdrivers.
  9. Remove the transmission jack lift and lower the vehicle.
  10. Tighten the lower fastening bolts using an 18 mm (10.5 daN.m) socket, and the upper fastening bolts using 16 mm and 6 mm (2.1 daN.m) screwdrivers.
  11. Re-fit the boot lining using Torx T20.
  12. Re-fit the cargo cover.

Choose quality components in your car

Excel-G shock absorbers from KYB are used by vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket repair shops across the world. The shock absorbers and struts are designed for maximum handling and comfort. Our patented valving and the use of pressurised nitrogen gas in the Excel-G range significantly reduces the aeration and foaming that typically occurs in other shock absorbers. That means greater performance over a greater shock life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change car shocks yourself?
Replacing shocks requires a range of tools that are usually available to a mechanic or car manufacturer. You are equipped to change shocks on your own if you have access to this wide range of tools and you can safely handle them.
Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?
Replacing all 4 shocks at the same time is ideal. Shocks and struts should be replaced if the vehicle handling and control has become noticeably difficult.  If all the shock absorbers have been installed on the vehicle for the same amount of time, they’re likely to all need replacement.

Also read…

Common fitting tips

Front or back, and no matter the vehicle, make sure you follow these installation tips.
Read More

Suspension: an overview

The ins and outs of vehicle suspension, and the signs of worn shock absorbers.
Read More

Common failure reasons

Learn more about the common causes of shock absorber failure and how to address them.
Read More

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PO Box 8156,
Elandsfontein, 1406

Email

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