Contents: Removal 🠛 Installation 🠛
Note: New axle mounting bolt nuts will be required during installation.
Removal
1. Block the front wheels and select reverse (or "P"). Jack up the rear of the car and support it on axle stands. Remove both rear wheels.
2. Acting in accordance with the description in Chapter Brake system, do the following:
- a) Disconnect both handbrake cables from the lever and release them from the mountings on the underbody so that they can be removed together with the axle.
- b) Trace the brake pipes/hoses from the wheel cylinders to their connecting sleeves near the rear axle (refer to the accompanying illustration). Disconnect both couplings and plug the ends of the hoses/tubes to minimize fluid loss and prevent dirt from entering the system. Remove the mounting bracket and release the hose from the mounting bracket. On ABS models, disconnect the ground cable from the battery before disconnecting the hose coupling (see Warnings in Chapter Brake system).
- c) Disconnect the pressure control valve rod from the rear axle.
- d) On ABS models, trace the wiring from the rear wheel sensors and disconnect its connectors. Release the wiring from all brackets so that it can be removed together with the axle.
3. Support the axle with a jack.
4. Loosen and remove the lower mounting bolts of both shock absorbers.
5. Loosen the nuts securing the axle and remove the tension bar installed on the axle mounting bolts (refer to the accompanying illustration). Throw away the nuts - they need to be replaced.
6. Make sure the axle-related cables/wiring are released from all clamps and ties, then carefully lower the axle assembly and remove it from under the vehicle.
7. To gain access to the axle mounting bolts, remove the rear seat cushion and sill trim panel (refer to Chapter Body). Loosen the mounting plate bolt, then remove the plate and remove the mounting bolts.
Installation
1. Where necessary, install the axle mounting bolts and mounting plate into the working position. Tighten the plate bolt securely.
2. Bring the axle assembly into working position by aligning its holes with the mounting bolts. Install the tension plate onto the axle bolts, then screw new mounting nuts onto them and tighten them to the specified Specifications force. Where necessary, install the trim panel and seat cushion.
3. Apply a small amount of all-purpose grease to the lower shock absorber mounting bolts (Renault recommends Molykote BR2). Align the shock absorbers with the trailing arms, install the mounting bolts and tighten them hand tight.
4. Acting in accordance with the description in Chapter Brake system, do the following:
- a) Connect the rear brake pipes/hoses and tighten the union nuts to the specifications shown Specifications force. Secure the hoses with clamps.
- b) On models with ABS, connect the wheel speed sensor wiring connectors and secure the wiring with staples.
- c) Connect the handbrake cables and adjust their length.
- d) Attach the pressure regulating valve rod to the working position.
5. Install the wheels, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the specified Specifications effort.
6. Rock the vehicle to adjust the position of the rear axle components, then tighten the lower shock absorber mounting bolts to the specified torque Specifications effort.
7. Completely bleed the brake hydraulic system (refer to Chapter Brake system).