Renault 5 Common Problems and Solutions
Wheel Humming
Problem:
When you’re driving, you can hear a loud humming sound coming from one or more of your wheels.
Solution:
Wheel hum is always a sign that your wheel bearings have worn out. This is a fiddly installation job, but it’s very doable even for the non-mechanically minded. Order new bearings from our online store and install them once they are delivered.
Difficulty level
Wheel Bearing
Crunch In Reverse
Problem:
The car drives fine, but when you put it into reverse, there is a loud crunching sound.
Solution:
This is the first sign that most drivers get when their clutch is about to fail completely. Installing a new clutch on the Renault 5 is a big undertaking. You have to drop the engine and ensure that the clutch is perfectly aligned. It's usually safer and more cost-effective to use a garage for this repair. However, if you have the skills and the tools, then you can order a new clutch straight from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Blue Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
There is a puff of blue smoke from the exhaust when you start the engine.
Solution:
Blue smoke is almost always a sign that your turbo is on the way out and will need to be replaced. Installing a new turbo is quite a big job, but there are many online guides available. Buying a new turbo from us is a lot cheaper than what a garage will charge you for a replacement.
Difficulty level
Turbo
Loss of Braking Efficiency
Problem:
The brakes are not as effective as they used to be.
Solution:
Check your brake pads for crystallization, as this is very common in the Renault 5. Replace them if they have crystallized or if they are worn. If they look fine, then it could be a defective servo one-way valve that you need to order from our parts page instead.
Difficulty level
Loose Gearstick
Problem:
The gear stick feels very loose and has a lot of play.
Solution:
The gear change tension spring that you can find on the underbody has either broken or fallen off. This is a very low-cost part when you order from BreakerYard and a two-minute job to install.
Difficulty level
Engine Stall on Idle
Problem:
When you have the engine running on idle, it suddenly stalls.
Solution:
The idling jet in the Renault 5 is prone to blockages caused by impurities in your fuel. Get a thin wire and unblock the jet to solve this problem.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
Your engine is overheating, and there is thick sludge in your oil cap. There is white smoke coming from your exhaust.
Solution:
These are all indications that your head gasket has failed. Order a new head gasket from our parts list and watch some tutorials that will show you how to remove the cracked one and install the new one.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Steering issue
Problem:
It is quite common on these vehicles for the steering to become a bit heavy. A worn down coupling causes this, which is located between the steering gear and steering shaft.
Solution:
You will have to replace this coupling to resolve the issue. This is not as difficult as it sounds. You get access through the left wheel arch and move the plastic box that covers the steering gear to gain access.
Difficulty level
Poor braking efficiency
Problem:
You may have noticed that the performance of your brakes is not so good and this can be down to a few different things. Either poor quality brake pads or a dirty vacuum servo air filter.
Solution:
To resolve this issue first check the pads and see if they need replacing. Remember to be careful when choosing which pads you fit. Next, you should check the servo air filter which is located near the servo actuator rod that leads to the brake pedal. If this is the problem, you will need to fit a new filter.
Difficulty level
Brake Pads
Clutch problems
Problem:
This is particularly a problem with the GT Turbo due to the quick acceleration that puts a lot of strain on the clutch. This can be a very expensive replacement, so we have listed a few tips to help you with your clutch: Do not ride the clutch. We advise you not to rest your foot on the clutch pedal or accelerate too fast from a standing point.
Solution:
The only way to resolve this issue is getting a new clutch fitted. Maybe you should consider getting a more high performance clutch fitted.
Difficulty level
Overheating issue
Problem:
This seems to be more of a problem on the Mark 1 than the Mark 2. The blocked little water pipes on the radiator cause the overheating.
Solution:
You can try unblocking these pipes to resolve the issue, but a replacement radiator would be your best option.
Difficulty level
Radiator
Fuel pump problems
Problem:
It is a known fact for the Renault 5 to have many problems with weak wiring, which can affect the fuel pump. The pump is located next to the fuel tank and is exposed to dirt and water, which can affect the wiring.
Solution:
The first thing to do would be to try fixing the wiring and if this does not resolve the issue, you may have to replace the actual fuel pump.
Difficulty level
