1991 Renault Espace TXE from UK and Ireland - Comments

Oil in the coolant - common problem, cured by changing the gasket (access is poor, use a good quality replacement - Renault gasket has sealant printed on to its surface).

Clutch pedal failed - feels like a faulty clutch, but is a lot cheaper, especially as Renault gave me mine free. It's a common fault caused by poor design & poor welding.

Front shocks failed - difficult to replace, "kwick fit" people couldn't do it as it needs a special tool on my car (springs have to be compressed in situ) I managed to modify standard spring compressors to do the job. Watch your fingers.

Oil pressure switch failed at 130k - lighting the oil pressure lamp which was worrying!

Hand brake feels spongy.

Brake master cylinder failed at 140k - buy a new one.

Rear spring was broken on my car when I bought it - buy a new one from Renault as aftermarket parts are different.

Various oil leaks, changed seals etc, but seem to have to live with some oil on the floor.

Distributor is VERY hard to get at.

Buy a set of Torx drivers - but doesn't need any more special tools than other cars.

Very nice ride, comfortable. I have four kids, it has to be versatile.

Buying parts is tricky due to variations between year & models, but well worth it as Renault parts are very expensive.

Engine has loads of power and torque, relaxing to drive, but don't rush gearchanges.

Dreading having to change the clutch - it does not look easy!

I have an Espace 1993 2.1TD which also had a broken rear spring, I replaced both rear springs with Boge springs. The difference in spring diameters was like that between your little finger and your thumb! (no wonder the originals break).

Changing the clutch is relatively straight forward by dropping

it out backwards, just make sure you have a trolley jack to

support it.

Still going at 155,000 miles and has the odd ball joint and rubber bush replaced.

Mike J.

I wonder if any renault espace owners out there can help me?. my partner and I have just bought a 1987 renault espace 2000-1 injection,. overall, the car is not bad for its age as me and my partner are quite pleased with it, but the main cause for concern is the tempreture gauge goes 3/4 up on the gauge near the danger zone, but does not enter it, I was thinking a faulty temp gauge or mabey the sender unit could be the culprit, cos I don't think its the head gasket because the heaters are blowing hot air, and the cars not losing any water,. I would be very grateful if any one has had the same problem, and how they have cured it, many thanks. g&h.

Hi, just had same trouble myself, changed the water temp sender and also on mine the cooling fans wasnt kicking in due too bad connections this sorted me out hope it helps

andy.

Any one help me plz I've a 1991 2 litre txe problem is my back brakes when I bleed them they are OK till you start the engine then when you press the pedal it goes down and won't come back up so the back brakes are stuck on the front brakes are OK just the back lift the pedal back up and they are free again anyone got any ideas.