Common Problems with the
1976 Reliant Kitten

The Kitten used an all-new steel chassis engineered specifically for its four-wheeled layout, mounting double wishbones and an anti-roll bar up front. Unlike later Rialtos, Kitten chassis frames were painted rather than galvanised. Road grime and water flung from the front wheels accumulate in the chassis outriggers and lower wishbone pick-up brackets, leading to severe perforation that compromises front suspension alignment.

The Kitten's 848cc all-aluminium engine relies on corrosion inhibitors in the coolant to prevent galvanic degradation between the alloy block, iron cylinder liners, and alloy head. When owners topped up with plain tap water, internal waterways corroded rapidly, depositing white scale that blocked the radiator. This thermal imbalance quickly leads to blown head gaskets and warped cylinder head mating faces.

Reliant designed a bespoke double-wishbone front suspension with tie-bars and an anti-roll bar for the Kitten to achieve its legendary 24-foot turning circle. The small rubber bushes in the wishbone pivots and tie-bar ends deteriorate from oil leaks and age. Once perished, excessive suspension deflection causes front wheel shimmy, twitchy steering response, and severe MOT failure.