Renault Clio: Shock absorber: Removal - Refitting

WARNING

To prevent any damage, do not use the rear axle as support for the lifting system.

WARNING

To prevent any suspension asymmetry, replace both of the shock absorbers on the same axle.

WARNING

To prevent the components of the rear axle from deteriorating (rubber bushes, brake hoses, etc.) do not remove the two shock absorbers at the same time. Proceed one side at a time.

REMOVAL

I - REMOVAL PREPARATION OPERATION

• Position the vehicle on a two-post lift (see Vehicle: Towing and lifting) (02A, Lifting equipment).

B85 or C85

• Remove the rear wheel arch trim (see Rear wheel arch trim: Removal - Refitting) (71A, Body internal trim).

EQUIPMENT LEVEL EAC or EQUIPMENT LEVEL SPORT

• Remove the rear aerodynamic diffuser (see Aerodynamic diffuser: Removal - Refitting) (55A, Exterior protection).

S85

• Remove the flap (1) from the rear loading trim which gives access to the upper shock absorber nut.

K85

• Pull down the rear bench seatbacks to gain access to the upper shock absorber nut.
• Remove the rear wheel arch trim flap (1).

II - OPERATION FOR REMOVAL OF PART CONCERNED

• Loosen the upper shock absorber nut (2), whilst holding the bolt head (3), with the wheels on the ground.
• Raise the lift.

• Using a block, bring the component jack into contact under the rear axle, near the shock absorber.
• Remove the lower bolt (4) from the shock absorber.
• Remove the component jack.
• Remove:
  • the upper shock absorber nut (2),
  • the shock absorber.

REFITTING

I - REFITTING PREPARATION OPERATION

• The upper shock absorber nut must always be replaced.

II - REFITTING OPERATION FOR PART CONCERNED

• Refit:
  • the shock absorber,
  • the new shock absorber upper nut.
• Torque tighten the upper shock absorber nut (21 N.m) whilst holding the bolt head, with the wheels on the ground.
• Raise the lift.
• Using a block, bring the component jack into contact under the rear axle, near the shock absorber.
• Refit the shock absorber lower bolt.
• Torque tighten the lower shock absorber bolt (105 N.m) with the component jack in position.
• Repeat the operation on the opposite side.

III - FINAL OPERATION

B85 or C85

• Refit the rear wheel arch trim (see Rear wheel arch trim: Removal - Refitting) (71A, Body internal trim).

EQUIPMENT LEVEL EAC or EQUIPMENT LEVEL SPORT

• Refit the rear aerodynamic diffuser (see Aerodynamic diffuser: Removal - Refitting) (55A, Exterior protection).

S85

• Refit the rear loading trim flap which gives access to the upper shock absorber nut.

K85

• Refit:
  • the rear wheel arch trim flap that gives access to the upper shock absorber nut,
  • the rear bench seatbacks.

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