Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair
Front Drive Axle Replace1. Raise vehicle and let the wheels hang free. Install Renault spacer bar T.Av. 509 or suitable spacer between the lower hinge pin and the lower mount of the shock absorber. Position as far forward as possible against the upper arm so that it will not interfere with removal of the drive axle.
2. Remove the roll pins at the transmission end of the drive axle with a drift.
3. Loosen but do not remove the tie rod and the upper ball joint on the stub axle carrier.
4. Remove the stub axle nut and washer.
5. Using suitable tool, press in the end of the drive axle to break loose from the stub axle carrier.
6. Remove the brake caliper and place in a secure place so that it does not hang by the brake hose.
7. Remove the upper ball joint and the tie rod end from the stub axle carrier.
8. Tilt the stub axle carrier outward and back and pull the end of the axle out of the stub axle carrier.
9. Pull the axle out of the transmission.
10. Lubricate the splines and insert the drive axle into the transmission. On 18i & Sportwagon, be sure to line up the roll pin holes and install the roll pins. Seal the ends of the roll pins with suitable sealer.
11. Position the outer end of the drive axle into the stub axle carrier.
12. Reposition the stub axle carrier and pull the driveshaft through the hub. Reconnect the upper ball joint and the tie rod end.
13. Install the stub axle washer and a new stub axle nut. Torque to 185 ft.lbs. (25 N-m)
14. Reinstall brake caliper.
15. Lower the vehicle and remove the upper suspension arm spacer on Renault 18i and Sportwagon vehicles.