Renault Megane Lower suspension arm replace

Here I replace a lower suspension arm on my Renault Megane as it failed the MOT on worn rubbers. It is easy enough but does need a lot of muscle work to jiggle it about. This can easily be done at home with basic tools. Always remember to make sure your car is secure when working on it.

[@teessidedroneservices]

just about to do this but on a clio so i imagine its almost the same...£50 for both arms so may as well have a go.... spot on video, new sub

[@veritasuk.6089]

Thanks for video. Very helpful. I don't see how that support frame needs o/ side 18 mm bolt removed too.I had to remove the n/s 18 mm bolt aswell,then it went well.hood work pal.

[@SteveSims]

Thanks.

[@captainbuggernut9565]

I did this job a while back. Some fool who owned the car before me had put the 'pinch' bolt in first and then pushed the ball joint in and tightened the bolt. Thinking it was just a pinch bolt and the ball joint fell out, luckily at low speed. I ended up putting a new arm in. Always make sure the bolt meets with the lip on the ball joint. Because that is what stops it coming out.

[@SteveSims]

That was lucky. Imagine doing 70 on a motorway and the ball joint drops off.

[@9111logic]

Interesting how you did it by just moving away the front part of the subframe, to both sides I chose to remove the unit but I had to support the two radiators. 6 years later I have to do it again before I take it for an MOT - Thanks for the interesting tip

[@SteveSims]

You might need a good crowbar to move it as it took some effort but was easy.

[@9111logic]

@@SteveSims I'm sure you have released tension from the two front vertical bolts (19mm socket if I remember right )

[@janthyregod5763]

Same mounting for Clio IV. Thanks for the video 💪🏻😀

[@SteveSims]

Thanks. Does the clio have a similar strut in the way of the long bolt?

[@janthyregod5763]

@@SteveSims I will replace the arm on Sunday. I will let you know and make a small movie

[@janthyregod5763]

Steve Sims Yes same strut but far more complicated and time consuming due to misleading Haynes manual. You need to support the radiator while moving the strut and replacing A-arm. There is some alignments as well. I spend a total of 6 hours.

[@SteveSims]

@@janthyregod5763 The radiator on the Megane was resting on a beam that went along the front of the car that the other beam was bolted onto at the front (where someone had cut a hole on the video). The radiator was just supported on the beam and had 2 lugs that went into holes on the beam. Glad you got it done though as it would cost a lot at a mechanics and doing it yourself you get to know the car a bit better.

[@janthyregod5763]

Steve Sims on the Clio there is a hole to support the radiator but not for the bolt. Saved DKK 4500 on the authorised dealer price ex part price of DKK 300 incl freight

[@rogerkretzschmar8280]

Nice video Steve, wish you'd shown a bit more on getting the bolts out though. Having a mare with mine, cannot get pinch bolt out from balljoint. Really frustrating .

[@SteveSims]

I gave it a good spray of wd40 the day before and left it to soak in. Mine was like a nut and bolt so one end had a spanner and the other end a socket and a big hammer to hit it with. That took a lot of beating with a hammer to replace both sides.

[@rogerkretzschmar8280]

@@SteveSims Thanks Steve . Was a bit reluctant to go too hard with the hammer, as wasn't sure if bolt was threaded in hub or just pushed in. Was thinking of the blow torch , but too near CV gaiter, could see it going badly wrong ! Car I garage today, frustrating couldn't do it myself but hey ho.

[@SteveSims]

@@rogerkretzschmar8280 better to be safe than sorry. I've had many a DIY job fail because of 1 stuck nut.

[@rogerkretzschmar8280]

@@SteveSims Learnt over the years to know when to stop and pay for job .
Had it fitted yesterday , £60 + £ 23 for part, which I thought was good price.
Unfortunately , still got knocking noise when pulling away or slowing down on drivers side !

[@SteveSims]

@@rogerkretzschmar8280 CV joint somewhere ? or exhaust on bodywork or heatshield or loose / worn engine mount?

[@NightFlutter]

i bought one arm, how much would the mechanic charge to replace it?

[@SteveSims]

at least £60

[@pauloisidoro2]

Thank you for sharing I have a Megane 2 same problem plus the steering inner ball joint ,fail MOT ,bagger!!@

[@SteveSims]

hope this saves you some money

[@Jozavenue]

good job,mate

[@SteveSims]

Thanks. I found that these cars need to be taken apart to do even the simplest of jobs, but they do come apart easily.

[@Jozavenue]

@@SteveSims At least they don't use No special tools like Opel/Vauxhall ,like E numbered ,opposite of torx.

[@SteveSims]

@@Jozavenue I did have to buy a £25 cam locking tool when I changed the dephaser pully but all other tools are just normal so yea it's been OK.

[@douglasforsyth3777]

Can I ask if the lower ball joint can be removed from the control arm? Once the end of the control arm which attaches to the steering rack has been removed would I be able to support the arm and punch out the lower joint with a hammer/Chisel?

[@SteveSims]

I can't remember how firmly it was fitted in, I think it will be difficult to remove it. I know you can buy just the ball joint on ebay

[@douglasforsyth3777]

Steve Sims thanks for getting back to me

[@SteveSims]

@@douglasforsyth3777 The ball joint on ebay has a big circlip that fits around the top to hold it in. I think the one fitted to the arm has the metal of the arm folded into a groove on the ball joint. I would give it a good clean and have a look how it is fitted in.

[@douglasforsyth3777]

Steve Sims looks like it could pop out with some skillful needle nose pliers and some less skillful work with a hammer

[@SteveSims]

@@douglasforsyth3777 Good luck.

[@train4905]

Exellent😊