Removal and installation the gear shift mechanism (Renault Megane 1)

Removal

1. Working inside the car, carefully pry the gearshift lever cover away from the center console. Pull the handle off the gearshift lever and remove it along with the cover (refer to the illustration above).

2. Set the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and support it securely on axle stands. Remove the lower engine shield, unscrew the mounting screws and remove the plastic protective cover located on the base of the transmission.

3. Disconnect and remove the heat shields located under the gearshift lever. If necessary, remove the exhaust system.

4. If the exhaust system will not be removed, loosen and remove the downpipe mounting bolts and remove the rubber mount brackets.



5. Disconnect the return spring from the shift rod or floor (refer to the accompanying illustration).





6. Remove the nut, then remove the washer and disconnect the gear shift rod from the base of the lever (refer to the accompanying illustration).

7. Remove the mounting nuts securing the control arm and tie rod pivot housing to the floor, then lower the assembly and remove it from underneath the vehicle. If the exhaust system is not removed, move it to the side.

8. Remove the mounting frame.

9. Tighten the gear shift lever in a vice with soft jaws, then remove the retaining ring and separate the pivot housing and protective boot.

10. To remove the shift rod, release the rubber protective boot and unscrew the bolt. Note the location of the bushing and spacer. Separate the rod from the transmission.

11. To remove the split tip, mark its position relative to the rod, then loosen the bolt.

12. Inspect all components for damage or signs of wear and replace as necessary.

Installation

1. Lubricate all hinge points with general purpose grease.

2. Install the split end onto the rod using the marks made when removing it and tighten the tie bolt to the specified Specifications force. If a new rod or tip is being installed, position the latter so that the length of the visible knurled section is approximately 7.0 - 8.0 mm.



3. Place the forked end on the transmission lever and install the bolt, making sure the bushing and spacer are positioned correctly. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque Specifications effort.

4. Assemble the gear shift lever components in the reverse order of removal.

5. Lift the control arm assembly into the passenger compartment through the floor opening, then install the frame and screw on the mounting nuts. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque Specifications effort.

6. Connect the shift rod to the base of the lever, checking the location of the bushings and making sure the nut is on the left side. Install the washer, then tighten the nut to the specified torque Specifications effort.

7. Attach the return spring to the gear shift rod.

8. Check and adjust the operation of the lever (refer to Section Adjusting the gear shift mechanism).

9. Install the heat shields, plastic cover and lower engine shield, and exhaust system components, then lower the vehicle to the ground.