Drive shaft overhaul — general description (Renault Clio 1)

If any of the checks described in Section 1, showed wear on the drive shaft joint, remove the wheel cover or center cap (depending on the model) and check the tightening torque of the drive shaft fastening nut using a torque wrench. Repeat this check on the other drive shaft.

Drive the car slowly in a circle, turning the steering wheel to its maximum angle. If you hear a clicking sound from the front of the vehicle, the outer CV joint is worn out.

If you feel vibration when accelerating, the inner CV joints may be worn out.

Remove the CV joints and inspect them for signs of wear as described in Chapters 3, 4 and 5.

On models with a manual transmission, wear on the outer CV joint can only be eliminated by replacing the drive shaft, as its components are not sold separately. The tripod and inner CV joint roller assembly can be replaced separately, but wear of any other component also requires replacement of the drive shaft.

On models equipped with an automatic transmission, wear of any of the CV joints requires replacement of the drive shaft.

On models with ABS, remove the ABS sensor contact ring from the old drive shaft and install it on the new component (see Chapter 23 Section 9).