Renault Clio: Front side member: General description

Renault Clio III (2005-2013) Service Manual / Panelwork / Front Lower Structure / Front side member: General description

IMPORTANT

Use a repair bench to ensure the positioning of the points and the geometry of the axle assemblies.

Note: The information contained in the following describes the general repair procedure for all vehicles having the same design for this part.

Note: For a detailed description of a particular connection, see MR 400.

I - DESIGN OF THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENT

The special feature of this type of part is that it combines the functions of front section and rear section of the front side member and that it is made of two different kinds of panels of different thicknesses assembled by laser butt welding.

II - AREA TO BE CUT FOR PARTIAL REPLACEMENT

1 - Cut 1:

This line shows the centre of the area in which it is possible to carry out a partial replacement.

This operation allows you to access the inside of the hollow section of the structural element to straighten it.

Note: For the partial replacement of parts constituting a single structural component, it is essential to stagger the welds of each of the components.

In this case, the side member weld line must be staggered from that of its closure panel.

2 - Cut 2:

The cut is made along the butt weld.

III - ASSEMBLY METHOD FOR A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT

Only the connections which are specific to the partial replacement by cutting are indicated.

WARNING

If the mating faces of the parts to be welded are not accessible, make EGW plug welds to replace the original resistance welds (see MR 400).

If there are other issues regarding access to mating faces, the various replacement options are described in the basic instructions for structural bodywork repair (see MR 400).

Lines (3) and (4) on the diagram show a butt weld by continuous EGW welding.

Weld (4) along the butt weld line.

Front side member: Description

To replace this part, order the front side member expanding insert (A).

The options for replacing this part are as follows:

• partial replacement of front end section,
• partial replacement of the front section.

IMPORTANT

The straightening bench must be used.

I - COMPOSITION OF THE SPARE PART

II - PART FITTED

1 - Partial replacement of front end section (right-hand side)

WARNING

Position this part correctly; its position is determined by the position of the inner reinforcements.

(X1) = 180 mm

2 - Partial replacement of the front section

WARNING

The cut is made along the line of the original butt weld.

3 - Partial replacement of front end section (left-hand side)

(X2) = 60 mm

WARNING

Position this part correctly; its position is determined by the position of the inner reinforcements.

4 - Partial replacement of the front section

WARNING

The cut is made along the line of the original butt weld.

III - POSITIONING OF LOCAL ELECTRICAL EARTHS

WARNING

• To avoid damaging the vehicle's electrical and electronic components, be sure to disconnect the earths of any wiring near the weld zone.
• The welding machine earth must be placed as close as possible to the weld zone.

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