Removing/replacing steering column in Renault Espace

There's a bit of play in the u/j at the bottom of the steering column of my '99 Espace, the local Renault dealer is quoting both arms and both legs to fix it - has anyone here attempted it and lived to tell the tale? ... or is there a better place to ask?

Dave

Reply to
Dave
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Try news:uk.rec.cars.maintenance

Although, I would first suggest getting a quote from a non main dealer, sometimes this sort of job is a real b*stard - and what is more, if the car has an steering wheel air-bag you are stuffed as messing with those is NOT really a DIY task.

Reply to
:::Jerry::::

Possibly or do a Google on a specialist group for your model.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

Thanks Jerry, I'll ask there too. I've never understood the problem with working on airbags, they came-in after I stopped fixing my cars (ah, memories: Herald, Spitfire, Stag, Minor, Anglia, Corsair, Capri and Austin 1800 - those were the days :-)can anyone explain the problem? In my naivety I assume you just disconnect the electrics and that they will then be safe.

Dave

Reply to
Dave

I had to remove the steering column and replace it on my '93 Espace to find a stray "squeak". Mine doesn't have an airbag but the basic job wasn't that hard.

I suggest you explore this idea- although this is offered at your risk:

Leave the steering wheel intact but remove the covers around the column assembly. On mine, the column is fixed to a cross member by 4 bolts and the u/j you refer to is visible and accessible just above the pedals. The column is splined into the u/j and has a bolt that nips up the joint. Undo this, remove the 4 bolts that secure the column to the cross member, and pull the column away from the joint- in only needs to move an inch or so. Remove u/j, replace, and reverse process.

Have a good looksee first but that would be the way I'd try the job.

Reply to
Brian Reay

came-in

Stag,

Just disconnecting the electrics might just set it off! Although mostly harmless, as is a firework is, given the wrong set of circumstances both can become potentially lethal devices - and we haven't even started to talk about the mobile guillotine that some self tensioning seatbelts can become....

Reply to
:::Jerry::::

Having read your thoughts about batteries exploding and Dave Plowman's recommendation of your experience...

Does the above still apply after the battery is disconnected?

You have now worried me about the guillotine effect of the self tightening seat belts. Please explain.

I ask the two questions, as I used to work on fast military jets that had ejection seats. I was never happy about them and they also had many bits of explosive devices accompanying.

Dave

Reply to
Dave

Basically, yes. But some apparently need the power to be disconnected for some time before unplugging them.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

Thanks for the idea Brian. I've been told that the column is only available as an assembly but I need to get the trim off and have a look; there are 4 screws securing one piece but nothing visible on the others.

Dave

Reply to
Dave

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