Steering Arms & Driveshafts

[Tripyrenees]

Are there any tips or hints on removing a stubborn steering arm. I need to change the end ball joints and they will not budge.

Also I need to change out the rubber gator on the lower drive shaft - is this full driveshaft removal?? :?:

Cheers
Ian
(I only went to change the brake shoes)

 

[jonigel]

Ball joint splitter,or two hammers,couple of sharp blows on the steering arm and it will spring out.
Yes,and you will need an expander for the gaiter.
Bon chance.

 

[Tripyrenees]

I got that bit off, it is unscrewing it. But i think it will be easier to replace the whole arm.

Job is getting bigger and bigger.

Do i need a special tool to get the hub back onto the drive shaft. The haynes manual says so.

 

[jonigel]

Put some heat on the track rod end and that should free it,
no you do not need a special tool to put the drive shaft back,just lightly grease it with copper slip.Dont believe everything in the haynes manual.

 

[Tripyrenees]

Can anyone help with regards getting the steering arms separated from the steering rack. Does it just screw in to the end - I can't quite make it out in the Haynes manual.

The whole unit is on the bench now with the steering rack in the vice.


Untitled by Tripyrenees, on Flickr


Untitled by Tripyrenees, on Flickr

 

[Tripyrenees]

I did it

Did a quick search on here after having another go at it - http://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3961

So basically put steering rack in the vice. Slid the rubber knocking ring back as far as possible. Put some heat on the ball joint thread (basically on the end of the steering rack rod) to melt the joint lock. Got a small pair of pipe grips and screwed them off.

Now waiting for my replacements which should arrive today

 

[Tripyrenees]

Has anyone any tips or handy hints on how to get new rubber boots onto the driveshafts, both ends.

I nearly did one but I was afraid I would split it so took it off again. This is now delaying the rest of my work (for such a simple task in theory)


Untitled by Tripyrenees, on Flickr

 

[montenegro]

the renault tool is a conical metal cage affair but kits usually come with a plastic cone ! without it [ and with it !] it is almost impossible to fit the rubbers. if you want to pay the postage and the return I can send you mine. [ dept 22]

 

[jonigel]

Take it to your local garage (not a main dealer)we put gaiters on all the time ,give him a drink job done!

 

[Tripyrenees]

Cheers guys - I was going to pop over to our local garage in the morning. They have a bunch of R4s in the drive so they must know their stuff

It is a pain though, thought I would get all this done this weekend. Few cuts and bruises but it is not beaten me yet

 

[danTheMan]

Did this a few days ago. The inboard joint pops apart without much force one roller at a time past the pressed metal cage bit (no hammer required, try a few different angles and bend).
This will reveal the all important circlip. You'll need heat to remove the rollers from the shaft (certainly to get it back on) Camping stove did it for me!