Adventures with My 1983 4 TL Chapter One

[Manu]

Enjoying the ride to the beach, with my foamy strapped to the roof of the 4L, when out of no where came a horrible metallic grinding sound, killing the good vibrations…

Any recommendations on what parts, tools, I would need? … please see pic.
Thanks!

 

[laxeian]

Looks like your driveshaft CV has failed, if you have a standard metric socket set/spanners and a ball-joint splitter tool wise this is all you should need to change driveshaft, read quite a few threads cover this here on this forum,used them to change mine, it not a difficult job if your confident at the basics, if you search ( top right home page) ‘driveshaft removal/repair’ there should be more detailed info/photos, the gearbox oil needs to be drained before removing driveshaft, its also a lot easier to loosen the driveshaft nut with car on ground before jacking up. Parts wise here’s a link for what your looking for, but this supplier is currently on back order for driveshafts ( also almost doubled in price, 6 months ago they were in stock at €55, bought pair myself), although you can also get the cv’s and gaiters to repair existing driveshaft yourself.
https://piezasautosclasicos.com/transmision-renault-4-5-6-y-7
Splitter wise personally find this type

Is a lot kinder to the balljoints than this type, lot less risk of damaging the balljoint rubbers when removing

 

[Manu]

Looks like your driveshaft CV has failed, if you have a standard metric socket set/spanners and a ball-joint splitter tool wise this is all you should need to change driveshaft, read quite a few threads cover this here on this forum,used them to change mine, it not a difficult job if your confident at the basics, if you search ( top right home page) ‘driveshaft removal/repair’ there should be more detailed info/photos, the gearbox oil needs to be drained before removing driveshaft, its also a lot easier to loosen the driveshaft nut with car on ground before jacking up. Parts wise here’s a link for what your looking for, but this supplier is currently on back order for driveshafts ( also almost doubled in price, 6 months ago they were in stock at €55, bought pair myself), although you can also get the cv’s and gaiters to repair existing driveshaft yourself.
https://piezasautosclasicos.com/transmision-renault-4-5-6-y-7
Splitter wise personally find this type
View attachment 31006
Is a lot kinder to the balljoints than this type, lot less risk of damaging the balljoint rubbers when removing

View attachment 31007

 

[Manu]

Thank you laxeian!
Would you know where I can puchase the recommended splitter?

 

[laxeian]

They are a pretty generic tool, the measurements on photo above are equal to the one I bought which worked great for me on the 4, bought mine online, they were many options/makes etc., heres one link but you may find the same through google search ‘ ball joint splitting tool’ with less shipping as I’m in Spain to yourself, if you have a good local parts store they should also have them in the tools dept,
https://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=l&...=2ahUKEwjEl-qy8un6AhVSlxoKHdrpCVcQwg96BAgBEDk

 

[Manu]

Hi Laxeian,

Tool and drive shaft are scheduled to arrive this coming Tuesday. The model of the drive-shaft is a SKF VKJC 7320, not sure of the quality, hopefuly it will fit and last awhile....
Once I start, I'll post images... or most probably send out an SOS...
THANK YOU, for pointing me in the right direction!

​

 

[Manu]

The spanner and driveshaft arrived this morning ahead of schedule Tomorrow is D-Day!

 

[laxeian]

Lets hope for sunny Sunday beach trip photos with the 4 then
Any probs. post photos, sure the forum will help, from memory and omitted from above (lapsed memory!) you will find it easier if you remove brake calliper ( same as you would to change pads), this is just the two pin clips and knock out the slides top and bottom of piston housing itself, do this after you have loosened drive shaft nut as if your wheel style does not give you access to drive shaft nut you will need to undo nut using brakes to stop rotation instead of weight of car/handbrake, Ive got a bit of wood that wedges between brake pedal and seat box section to do this, but having assistant to operate brakes for you is probably easier, you do this so you can hang caliper pisto/brake flex out of the way, avoids damaging brake flexible pipe when removing driveshaft.