This is from the Renault workshop manual (edited as you'll soon see why). I'm dropping the subframe to replace DMF and clutch, and also the anti-roll bar bushings. On the manual there are two interesting things mentioned: 1. "Always replace the subframe and arm moutings" -> I can't understand this in any other way than that they suggest replacing all six mounting bushes on the subframe AND the four on the lower A-arms. Do I get this correctly? (The mouting points of the subframe are marked with red and the frontmost "tie rods" have bushings on each end, rear ones are just single bushings each) 2. What about this: "A shim 10mm thick must be placed between the radiator cross member and the sub-frame" -> In this case I'm thinking this is just to set proper clearance between the two while you fit both subframes back onto the vehicle. But can someone confirm this?
doing my subframe bushes and roll bar bushes while i have it down for the clutch as well. https://rsmegane.com/threads/front-subframe-bushes.18582/ got the bushes from ebay,although you can get them from renault. i assume all other bushes are in the lower arms,and the anti roll bar..which i have all new renault items. You will need a press from the main subframe bushes.
Thanks mate. Put those bushes on order a few days ago (Gonna try Hutchinson as they do OEM stuff for Renault and are really cheap). I dropped the subframe today and I can see now that the #13 on my picture labeled "tie-rod" by Renault do have rubber mounts that affect the front area of the subframe and the front mounting of the lower arms. The rubber on these will have some load on them too, but it's hard to say by eye only if they need replacing or not. The rubber parts only come with the complete tie-rod AFAIK. Part numbers for the tie rods are: Right side 8200364827 Left side 8200364828 ...but I'm not 100% certain if there's a difference whether the car is LHD or RHD. Would guess that's a no, but it couldn't hurt to check. In any case the numbers above at least seem to fit a LHD 225.
Thanks Andy once again! Much appreciated! ------------------------------------------------- Onto another subject: When I disconnected the steering axle joint from the steering rack (in the foot well) I noticed this small semi-transparent plastic thingy in there just as the retaining nut came off (in the pics on the right): Somehow I don't believe this plastic thing is a part of the axle joint connection. It might have dropped there from somewhere higher up the steering column area. Do you recognise this part? Wouldn't want to just leave it off without knowing where it should go, but disassembling all the plastic panels surrounding the steering column doesn't appeal too much either (brittle plastic, brittle fittings etc.) Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
Thanks a bunch! As you know I'm the kind of guy who doesn't want to leave loose ends, in this case quite literally!
oh yes!..and speaking to him,he says he hasnt seen anything like that clear plastic thing before. seems very odd it was up in the column though.
says he hasnt changed these in the past...general rule of thumb...if it looks perished,then replace.He also says,in renault maintainence manuals,they always say replace everything,regardless of it it needs it,or not!
That's what I was thinking. The Renault manual seems to be very demanding in this respect! And even mechanics who work for Renault repair shops don't seem to do things the way the manual tells to (which is not that rare in the industry anyway). But a huge thank you Andy once again. Every piece of help is very welcome indeed!
my mate says genuinely ,Renault push mechanics to replace everything regardless. I am not surprised at main dealer prices! For example,a Renault tech would never rebuild a swivel hub....would be all new or nothing ,at wallet wilting prices.. Renault have to make cash somewhere,to subsidize sales. Would hate to see how many standard meganes are sold over here...i bet its very few. I remeber when the Laguna went..nation wide sales in one month were down in single figures!
