Contents: Removal 🠛 Installation 🠛
Note: To avoid damaging the steering rack when removing the tie rod, a special spanner (No. Dir. 1305 according to the Renault catalog) and a rack mounting clamp (No. Dir. 1306 for the SMI steering rack or 1306-01 for the TRW rack) are required (refer to the illustrations below).
Note. The models described have two types of steering gear: SMI and TRW. The type of rack can be determined by the stamp on the steering gear housing. If the work is performed on an SMI steering rack, a new steering rod lock washer assembly will be required during installation.
Removal
1a. The steering rack is locked with a mounting clamp.
1b. Remove the tie rod end ball joint as described in Section Removal and installation the steering rod end.
2. Cut the clamps and remove the steering gear protective boot from the steering rod. It is recommended to replace the protective boot, regardless of its condition.
3. If special tools are not available, unscrew the inner tie rod joint from the end of the steering rack with suitable pliers. Lock the steering rack by holding the ball joint lock washer with a second pair of pliers.
Caution: Be careful not to scratch the rack or ball joint.
4. Separate the steering 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 warped/damaged, replace the assembly. It is also recommended to replace the steering gear boot.
Installation
1. Before installing the steering rod, remove all traces of the gripping compound from it and the rack.
2. On models equipped with SMI steering gear (4), assemble a new lock washer (3) and locking ring (2) and install them onto the end of the steering rod (1) (refer to the accompanying illustration).
3. Coat the steering rod threads with a seizing compound (Renault recommends Lostite Frenbloc), then install the tie rod onto the end of the steering rack. Using the method used during removal, tighten the inner ball joint of the tie rod to the torque shown in Specifications force. On the SMI steering gear, make sure that when tightening the tie rod, the tabs of the lock washer fit onto the chamfers of the steering rack (B).
4. Install the new boot onto the tie rod end and onto the steering gear housing. Rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock to ensure the boot is positioned correctly, then secure it with new clamps.
5. Install the tie rod end ball joint as described in Section Removal and installation the steering rod end.