How to replace the suspension on a Renault Clio.

On the Renault Clio, work on the vehicle when it is cold, on a flat surface, and on jack stands. Loosen the wheel nuts, lift the car, and remove the wheel on the affected side.

For the front, identify the strut: free the brake line brackets and ABS cable, mark the orientation relative to the hub/spindle to maintain the basic alignment, then unscrew the bolts securing it to the hub. From above, in the engine compartment, loosen the nut of the upper mount while securely holding the strut and remove the assembly.

Transfer any dust boots/bump stops to the new one, and if necessary, the upper mount; reinstall it in the correct orientation, insert it into the hub, and tighten the bolts.

Reposition the brake/ABS on their supports, mount the wheel, and pre-tighten it on the ground with a torque wrench. For the rear, support the rear arm with a jack, unscrew the lower bolt of the shock absorber and then the upper one; remove the piece and compare lengths and attachments.

Install the new shock absorber with the bushings in order, first hand-tighten with the arm supported, and complete the tightening with the vehicle resting on the ground to avoid pre-loading the bushings. If you are also replacing the springs, lower the arm just enough to remove them and insert the new bump stops and spring seats correctly seated.

At the end of the work on the Renault Clio, check that no cables are pinched, restore the torque on the wheel nuts, perform a road test, and schedule a wheel alignment check if you have removed the struts from the hub.