Note. In order not to damage the steering rack when removing the thrust, a special wrench is needed (No. Dir. 1305 according to the Renault catalog) and rail mounting clip (No. Dir. 1306 for SMI steering rack or 1306-01 for TRW rack) (refer to the illustrations below).
Note. On the described models, there are two types of steering mechanism: SMI and TRW. The rack type can be identified by the stamp on the steering gear housing. If work is being done on an SMI steering rack, the installation will require a new tie rod lock washer assembly.
Removing
1a. The steering rack is locked with a mounting clip.
1b. Remove the spherical joint of a tip of draft as it is described in the Section Removal and installation of a tip of steering draft.
2. Cut collars and remove a protective cover of the steering mechanism from steering draft. It is recommended to replace the protective cover, regardless of its condition.
3. If special tools are not available, unscrew the inner link pivot from the end of the steering rack with suitable pliers. Block the steering rack by holding the ball joint lock washer with a second pair of pliers.
Attention! Be careful not to scratch the rack or ball joint.
4. Separate the tie rod assembly from the rack. On SMI steering gears, discard the lock washer assembly - it must be replaced.
5. If the inner joint moves too freely or with difficulty, or if the tie rod is deformed/damaged, replace the assembly. It is also recommended to replace the protective cover of the steering mechanism.
Installation
1. Before installing the tie rod, remove all traces of tack compound from the tie rod and rack.
2. On models equipped with SMI steering gear (4), assemble a new lock washer (3) and blocking ring (2) and install them on the end of the tie rod (1) (refer to accompanying illustration).
3. Coat the tie rod threads with tack compound (Renault recommends Lostite Frenbloc), then install the link to the end of the steering rack. Using the method used for removal, tighten the tie rod inner ball joint to the torque shown in Specifications effort. On the SMI steering gear, make sure that when tightening the tie rod, the tabs of the lock washer come into contact with the chamfers of the steering rack (B).
4. Establish a new protective cover on a tip of steering draft and on a case of the steering mechanism. Rotate the steering wheel from one end to the other to make sure that the protective cover is placed correctly, then attach it with new clamps.
5. Establish a spherical joint of a tip of steering draft as it is described in Section Removal and installation of a tip of steering draft.