Replacing the lower arm ball joint (Renault Espace III)

Attention

• The ball joint can only be replaced once, after which the lower control arm of the front suspension must be replaced. Ball joints supplied as spare parts have an identification notch (cutout on the supporting surface). A ball joint without a mark is a standard part and can be replaced.
• The ball joint with a cutout is a replaced part and cannot be replaced again, but the entire arm assembly must be replaced.

Removal

• Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
• Raise the vehicle on a lift and remove the Wheel from the required side.
• Using the Tav. 476 puller, disconnect the steering tie rod end from the steering knuckle (fig. 10.7).
• Remove the brake caliper floating bracket and secure it to the suspension spring to protect the brake hose from damage.
• Install the protective cover onto the corrugated protective boot of the outer joint of the drive shaft
• Loosen the lower ball joint pin mounting nut as much as possible and use a ball joint impact puller to press the joint out of the steering knuckle (fig. 10.8).
• Loosen the bolts securing the shock absorber strut to the steering knuckle.
• Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut, move the knuckle together with the drive shaft to the side and hang it from the body.
• Using the T.AV 1261 tool, press the ball joint out of the lower arm (fig. 10.14).
• To install the ball joint, insert the washer (A, Fig. 10.15) and spacer ring (B) in the device T. Av. 1261-01
• To install the ball joint, use the T. Av. 1261 tool.
• Further installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
• Press the brake pedal several times to press the brake pads against the brake disc.

Fig. 10.14. Replacing the ball joint of the lower arm of the front suspension: A - using the T.AV. 1261 device to press the ball joint out of the lever; B - using the T. AV.1261 device to press the ball joint into the lever; C - location of the ball joint identification mark

Fig. 10.15. Device T. Av. 1261-01 for installing a ball joint: A - washer; B - spacer ring

Fig. 10.16. Using the special device Rou. 604-01 to block the hub from turning

Fig. 10.17. Using the T. Av. 1050 puller to push the drive shaft out of the front wheel hub

Fig. 10.18. Using the Rou. 1392 tool to press the hub out of the steering knuckle

Fig. 10.19. Installing the jaws of the puller for removing the inner bearing ring from the front wheel hub