First generation models - J11...
1. Separate removal of the telescopic strut is a labor-intensive process, as it requires special skills and special tools. For this reason, it is recommended to remove the telescopic strut together with the spring, since in this case only pullers are needed, which are more accessible (see illustration).
19.1 Tightening devices of similar design are necessary for replacing the suspension strut spring. The cups of these pullers are placed under the spring, and the hooks are hooked onto its coils.
2. When removing, proceed as follows:
3. Jack up the front of the car and place it on axle stands. Remove the wheel on the appropriate side.
4. Place a car jack under the lower control arm and jack up the arm until the body is clear of the support.
5. Install the tensioner on the front spring. Use only sturdy tensioners. These are usually two hooks that are adjusted in the middle. Hook the hooks onto the spring coils and tighten the adjusting nut in the middle until the spring is free of the upper cup and the cup can be removed by hand. Make sure the tensioners are secure before doing anything else.
6. Unscrew both nuts of the upper shock absorber mount. The piston rod has a worn surface for installing a wrench for locking. Remove the upper cup and cushion, having previously made installation marks on them.
7. At the bottom of the shock absorber, lock the hex key and loosen the lock nut (2) (see illustration).
19.7 Fastening the shock absorber with hinge bolts (1) and lock nut (2)
8. Slowly lower the car jack, but leave it under the wishbone until the hinge bolt (1) can be loosened. Without knocking out the bolts, disconnect the stabilizer bar link.
9. Unscrew the shock absorber and remove the unit as a whole. The shock absorber can now be released.
10. Telescopic racks cannot be repaired and must be replaced if damaged.
11. Before installation, clamp the new strut in a vice and pump it to bring it into working condition.
12. Install the shock absorber in the reverse order.
13. When installing the upper fasteners onto the shock absorber, follow the installation marks.
14. If new rubber mounts are installed, mark them with the chassis number, as they changed depending on the year of production of a particular model.
15. Make sure that the ends of the springs fit exactly into the cups. Screw the shock absorber in until it stops and turn it one turn from this position. Tighten the lock nut to the specified tightening torque.
(The original can be found on the website: renaultbook.ru)
16. Install the upper fasteners onto the telescopic stand (again, pay attention to the correct installation method). Rubber pads and covers are not the same for all models.
17. Lower the vehicle onto its wheels and tighten the hinge bolt at the lower end of the telescopic strut (together with the anti-roll bar link), then tighten both piston rod nuts at the top of the strut.
18. Rock the front of the car a few times to ensure all suspension components are in place. Don't forget the wheel bolts.
Second generation models - J63...
19. To remove the telescopic stand on these models, remove the three nuts at the top and lower the stand down.
20. Jack up the front of the car and place it on axle stands. Remove the wheel on the corresponding side.
21. Loosen the lock nut at the bottom and remove the shock absorber hinge bolt. The shock absorber is now free (see illustration).
19.21 Before disconnecting the upper end of the telescopic strut, disconnect it from the rod and the transverse arm
22. From the engine compartment, unscrew the three nuts securing the telescopic strut. While doing this, support the strut from below so that it does not fall. The telescopic strut can now be removed.
23. The spring is locked separately and cannot be released unexpectedly. If difficulties arise during removal, either the upper or lower ball joint can be separated.
24. Install the telescopic stand in the reverse order.
25. First clamp the new shock absorber vertically in a vice and pump it to bring it into working condition.
26. Insert the stand from below and secure the lower end as shown illustrations 25.21, so that the hinge bolt, tie rod and wishbone can be inserted into the shock absorber eye. Tighten the nut with your fingers only for now. The final tightening is done with the vehicle on the ground. The lock nut can be tightened immediately. All tightening torques are specified in specifications.