Splitting the 336 gearbox case

[Grumblebuns]

Anyone have a safe method of splitting the case halves of the Renault transaxle? Per the manual, I've removed the bolts securing the case halves but the case halves still refuse to budge using just arm power. I'm suspecting the halves are just stuck together and needs a good rap to separate.

 

[BDA]

Have you tried a rubber mallet - or better yet a dead blow hammer (mine is rubber covered)? I I've taken two Renault trannies apart, 365 & NG3 and don't remember any trick to it. I think it's just stuck.

[Grumblebuns]

Thanks BDA, apparently my wimpy blows with a light weight rubber mallet were not enough to break the seal between the case. I'll try using a block of wood and a heavy weight steel mallet next.

[jbcollier]

STOP

Two bolts still in place.  They're just to the right of the output shaft in the photo

[BDA]

Good eye, John!

[Grumblebuns]

I saw those large bolts previously but they are not "highlighted" in the manual illustration so assumed they were not necessary to be removed. I'll remove them next.

Update

Went down to the garage later on this morning and had a closer look at the 336. The two bolts behind the differential referenced by John do indeed go all the way through the case. I missed that during my initial inspection, feel like an idiot. Anyway the two bolts are now removed and the case is loose but not completely apart. I'll attack that part later on this week. Thanks for the clue.

[HelpMyLotus]

Where is the icon for OH SH!T.   It sounds like when I had my bell housing bolts loose from my trans but couldn't get it off.  Then y'all helpful folks said "there are 4 large bolts inside the housing that keep it in place".   

I love the collective knowledge of you guys.  Thank you for visiting and helping us!

[Grumblebuns]

If there was a palm in face emoji in the emoji menu, I would've used that. Sheesh, that was embarrassing.