Removing the subframe of a Renault Megane II

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The subframe is a structural component of the front suspension to which the lower front suspension arms, steering gear and lower engine mount are attached.

The subframe consists of two parts: front and rear.

Front suspension subframe component layout — Fig. 1. Front suspension subframe component layout: 1 — front subframe section; 2,8 — subframe mounting brackets; 3,9 — front suspension arms; 4,10 — ball joints; 5 — lower engine mount; 6,11 — track rod ends; 7 — anti-roll bar; 12 — steering gear; 13 — anti-roll bar mounting clamp; 14 — rear subframe section

The subframe component layout is shown in Figure 1.

To remove the subframe, the following tools are required: 10, 16, 18 mm spanners, 16, 18 mm sockets, flat screwdriver.

Removing the front subframe section

Removing the undertray and splash shield — Fig. 2. Remove the undertray and engine splash shield

Remove the front wheel arch liners.

Placing a support under the front subframe section — Fig. 3. Place a support under the front subframe section

Removing the four bracket mounting bolts — Fig. 4. Remove the four bolts securing the front subframe section bracket to the body

Removing the bracket — Fig. 5. Remove the bracket

Unscrewing the front subframe section nut — Fig. 6. Unscrew the nut securing the front subframe section to the rear subframe section

Removing the front subframe section bolt — Fig. 7. Remove the bolt securing the front subframe section to the body. Repeat the same procedure on the other side

Removing the front subframe section — Fig. 8. Remove the front subframe section

Removing the rear subframe section

Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

Setting the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position — Fig. 9. Set the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position

Apply the parking brake and place chocks under the rear wheels.

Unscrewing the clamp bolt of the universal joint coupling — Fig. 10. Unscrew the clamp bolt of the universal joint coupling between the intermediate shaft and the steering gear pinion shaft

Loosen the front wheel bolts.

Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on axle stands.

Removing the engine undertray — Fig. 11. Remove the engine undertray

Remove the front wheel arch liners.

Placing a support under the rear subframe section — Fig. 12. Place a support under the rear subframe section

Removing the wiring harness holder — Fig. 13. Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring harness holder from the front suspension arm

Removing the track rod end ball joint pin — Fig. 14. Remove the track rod end ball joint pin from the steering knuckle (article – How to replace track rod ends on Renault Megane 2)

Removing the ball joint pin — Fig. 15. Remove the front suspension arm ball joint pin from the steering knuckle

Removing the upper anti-roll bar link joint — Fig. 16. Remove the upper anti-roll bar link joint from the strut bracket

Removing the two bracket mounting bolts — Fig. 17. Remove the two bolts securing the rear subframe section bracket

Removing the left bracket mounting bolt — Fig. 18. Remove the bolt securing the left rear subframe section bracket to the body. Repeat the same procedure on the other side

Removing the two engine mount bracket bolts — Fig. 19. Remove the two bolts securing the engine mount bracket

Removing the bracket — Fig. 20. Remove the bracket

Removing the rear subframe section — Fig. 21. Remove the rear subframe section by lowering it on the stands

Rear subframe section — Fig. 22. Rear subframe section

Install the subframe sections and all components in the reverse order.

Torque specifications

Track rod end nut to steering knuckle — 37 N·m;
Universal joint clamp bolt — 21 N·m;
Ball joint pin nut — 62 N·m;
Subframe bolts — 105 N·m;
Subframe nuts — 21 N·m;
Anti-roll bar link nut to suspension arm — 14 N·m;
Wheel bolts — 105 N·m.

For other threaded connections, the torque specifications are as follows:

M6 — 10 N·m;
M8 — 25 N·m;
M10 — 50 N·m;
M12 — 105 N·m;
M14 — 180 N·m;
M16 — 280 N·m;
M18 — 400 N·m.

After installation, check the wheel alignment.