Sub-engine frame (Renault Espace III)

Removal

• Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
• On vehicles with Z and G engines, remove the exhaust downpipe and disconnect the torque rod
• On vehicles with F engines, disconnect the torque rod, move the protective boot and unscrew the bolt connecting the rod end to the gear selector lever.
• Loosen the lower ball joint tip fastening nut as much as possible and press the tip out of the steering knuckle using a ball joint impact puller (fig. 10.8).
• Loosen the nuts securing the ball joints of the anti-roll bar links.
• Using the Tav. 476 puller, remove the steering rod end (fig. 10.7).
• Remove the two bolts securing the brake hose holders, the brake pad wear indicator lamp wires, and the ABS sensor wires.
• Disconnect the ABS sensor and brake pad wear indicator lamp wire connectors from the holders on the subframe.
• Unscrew the nut and bolt (1, Fig. 10.25) steering shaft cardan joint fork connections.

Fig. 10.25. Location of the bolt (1) connecting the steering shaft cardan joint fork

• To prevent the contact ring from shifting, use a special device to lock the steering wheel.
• Place the jack under the engine subframe and secure it to the jack plate.
• Remove the subframe reinforcements.
• Remove 2 bolts and heat shield from brake lines.
• Release the brake pipe and ABS wire from the holders at four points.
• Disconnect the power steering lines.
• To disconnect the power steering lines on vehicles with Z engines, use the Dir. 1282-01 and Dir. 1282-02 wrenches, passing them through the wheel arch.
• On vehicles with Z and G engines, release the power steering oil cooler pipe.
• Loosen the nuts of the engine subframe mounting bolts and lower the jack together with the frame.
• Remove the engine subframe from the jack.

Note: When lowering the subframe assembly with the front suspension and steering gear, be careful not to damage the metal brake lines.

Installation

• The installation of the sub-engine frame is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following.
• When installing the steering gear together with the subframe, be careful not to damage the metal brake pipes.
• When replacing, use the Dir. 1303-01 tool to adjust the position of the steering gear.
• Each time the subframe is removed, replace all frame mounting bolt nuts and be sure to adhere to the specified tightening torques.

Note

• Two washers (1, Fig. 10.26) on the rear supports of the sub-engine frame, they ensure the centering of the frame assembly with the front suspension relative to the body when they are attached to the body.
• Therefore, be sure to ensure that these washers are in the correct position when tightening the subframe mounting parts from the left rear mounting location.

Fig. 10.26. Location of washer (1) for centering the subframe relative to the body

• Since the lower part of the steering column can move, it is necessary to adjust the position of the steering shaft universal joint yoke relative to the steering gear drive pinion.
• In the car interior, install the Dir. 1408 device on the lower part of the steering column (fig. 10.27).

Fig. 10.27. Installing the Dir. 1408 device for adjusting the position of the steering shaft cardan joint fork relative to the steering gear drive pinion

• Screw in the steering shaft cardan joint yoke connection bolt and tighten the bolt nut to the required torque.
• Remove the Dir. 1408 tool.
• Using Dir. 1282-01 and Dir 1282-02 wrenches, tighten the power steering pipes to the specified torque.
• Fill the tank three-quarters full.
• With the engine running, carefully turn the steering wheel from lock to lock.
• Check the system for leaks and add fluid to the required level.
• Check the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe-in if necessary.