Maintaining your Alliance

The 1.7L engine, very robust, requires little maintenance. However, like all timing belt engines, regular servicing is essential.

Timing system specifics: over time, and especially on vehicles that are rarely driven, the timing belt tensioner pulley tends to seize easily. Do not hesitate to replace the complete kit (pulley + belt) on average every 80,000 km, available from Renault dealers under reference: 7701468164 for the 1.7L engine.

Regarding the GTA, there is no kit including belt, tensioner pulley, and idler pulley: they must be purchased separately under references 7700725577, 7700726440 and 7700733489.

Specific full ignition system; check and replace the distributor cap if necessary for optimal ignition.

As with any older cooling system, it is essential to replace the existing fluid with a new anti-corrosion coolant (Renault type C or D, thanks Jean-Claude). At the same time, also replace the thermostat and its seal. Regularly check the water level in the expansion tank. A leak is not always visible at first glance.

As on our French Renaults, the cabin heater core becomes fragile with age, which can cause significant leaks inside the cabin (soaked carpet, unpleasant odor, abnormal fogging). If this occurs, the only solution is to replace the radiator. This is a long operation as the dashboard and air distribution unit must be removed in order to crimp the heater unit laterally on the pedal side. This part is also available from Renault under ref: 7701027078.

Manual gearbox (4 or 5 speeds): If in doubt about the gearbox oil quality, drain it without hesitation. Use 75W90 gearbox oil. Filling is done via a plug located below the clutch fork (this opening is also used to check the oil level).

Automatic gearbox: For this type, use only special "red" automatic transmission fluid. After draining, filling is done via the dipstick tube.
Specific note: The level must be checked with the engine running and the gear selector in position "P".

Most Alliances are not equipped with brake pad wear indicators, so it is necessary to remove a wheel to check thickness.

Specific note: Since the friction material is riveted to the pad backing, you must take rivet thickness into account when replacing them to avoid damaging the discs.

Do not hesitate to replace your brake fluid. Over time, brake fluid loses efficiency and absorbs moisture. Use DOT 4 type fluid.

It is unlikely that your Alliance still has its original battery.

Battery replacement: Prefer a "medium" size battery so it can be positioned as far back as possible in the engine bay (near the power steering reservoir). The engine bay allows installation of a US-type battery. When installing a European battery, terminals may be very close to the hood. It is recommended to insulate them.
A 50A capacity is sufficient. This ensures a properly sized battery without risk of contact with the hood.

Air conditioning works only if the refrigerant quantity (pressure) is sufficient and the system is leak-free. It should be checked once a year.

Specific note: Alliance air conditioning was designed for first-generation refrigerant "R12". This gas, now considered polluting, has been replaced by "R134", used in modern vehicles.
When recharging an Alliance system, using R134 is strongly discouraged as it may damage the compressor and seals. Two options:
Consult a specialist who may still have R12 stock, or use a substitute gas compatible with both systems. Some users report slightly lower efficiency.

The bulbs in this car can be replaced with commercially available ones. They are all compatible with a few exceptions:

Original US headlights (sealed beam): if defective, the bulb cannot be separated from the unit, so the entire headlight must be replaced.

Rear lights: three bulbs provide lighting functions, including one dual filament (21-5W). They are accessible after removing a plastic cover that also holds the rear light in place.

Third brake light (convertibles): not standard; it is a 12V-27W halogen bulb, available online.

Front indicators (87/GTA models): dual filament 21W/5W amber bulb, common on US vehicles, available online or from specialized shops.