JonathanT
Not normal for Norfolk
- Messages
- 1,332
- Location
- Wymondham Norfolk
Recently I managed to purchase a pair of NOS drive shafts complete ex Spanish Ebay. Arrived in timely fashion as my left driveshaft's knocking was getting worrying.
I had been reading and re-reading the Haynes manual suggesting how it should be attempted. It was to a novice looking a little daunting. Fortunately my GTL (and new driveshafts) didn't have Roll pins so that was a heap off my mind as a special tool is required to remove and replace them although a homemade drift could be constructed.
Haynes goes on to suggest the hub can be removed from the shaft by using a 3 leg puller/press bolted onto the wheel studs. As all the pullers I could find were intended for 4 or 5 stud wheels unless I spent several hundred pounds on a professional outfit. That go me thinking.. Maybe an old solid centre wheel with its hub cap thread could be used with a suitable bolt to push the shaft back through the hub?
However.... ENTER THE EXPERIENCE of a retired ex Renault Engineer. I met by chance while out for an evening and he spotted my R4. Thankfully I had the idea of giving him a ring... 'You don't need a puller. the shaft should just push out or tap out with a copper/wooden drift'. He was right! I didn't need a ball joint splitter... nor could I make one fit on either ... unbolting the three bearing fixings released the bottom swing arm. I also removed the top end too making the operation much more accessible. the new shaft went in easily and I had it all reassembled and working in an hour and a half flat.. Knocking gone. Drives great!
Maybe this will be of use to some.. But of course be safe and make sure its done correctly. This is only my suggestion and the wisdom of a Renault engineer third hand. Some of you with more experience may wish to add/comment. Have fun!
Jonathan
I had been reading and re-reading the Haynes manual suggesting how it should be attempted. It was to a novice looking a little daunting. Fortunately my GTL (and new driveshafts) didn't have Roll pins so that was a heap off my mind as a special tool is required to remove and replace them although a homemade drift could be constructed.
Haynes goes on to suggest the hub can be removed from the shaft by using a 3 leg puller/press bolted onto the wheel studs. As all the pullers I could find were intended for 4 or 5 stud wheels unless I spent several hundred pounds on a professional outfit. That go me thinking.. Maybe an old solid centre wheel with its hub cap thread could be used with a suitable bolt to push the shaft back through the hub?
However.... ENTER THE EXPERIENCE of a retired ex Renault Engineer. I met by chance while out for an evening and he spotted my R4. Thankfully I had the idea of giving him a ring... 'You don't need a puller. the shaft should just push out or tap out with a copper/wooden drift'. He was right! I didn't need a ball joint splitter... nor could I make one fit on either ... unbolting the three bearing fixings released the bottom swing arm. I also removed the top end too making the operation much more accessible. the new shaft went in easily and I had it all reassembled and working in an hour and a half flat.. Knocking gone. Drives great!
Maybe this will be of use to some.. But of course be safe and make sure its done correctly. This is only my suggestion and the wisdom of a Renault engineer third hand. Some of you with more experience may wish to add/comment. Have fun!
Jonathan