Subframe, Removing and Installing

Subframe, removing and installing
Special tools and equipment





^ 10-222 A engine support bridge
^ 10-222A/1 bracket for engine
^ 3393 Testing Mandrels

Removing
.




^ Support engine with supporting device
^ Remove hubcap, for light-alloy wheels pull off center cap (use pulling hook in vehicle tools).
^ Remove wheels.
^ Remove sound-deadening pan.





^ Before loosening subframe, special tool 3393 must be used to check whether holes -1- and -2- line up.
If this Is not the case, an axle alignment must be performed after the subframe Is Installed.

Note: In order not to damage the joints of the upper links, it is necessary to use (engine/transmission jack VAG1383-A, for example, to brace against too strong rebound.





^ Unscrew hex nuts -3-.
^ Remove hex bolt -1- and guide link to subframe.





^ Unscrew hex bolts -1-.
^ Remove hex bolts -2- and lower subframe in back.

Note: In order not to overbend the pin-side joints of the bearing and guide links, they should be fastened to the body with a tie wire or something like it.

^ Pull out hex bolts of guide links.
^ Pull guide links out of subframe.





^ Unscrew hex bolt -5-.

Note: For vehicles with headlight vertical aim control refer to Vehicle Level Sensor.

^ Remove hex nut -2-, track control link to subframe, and remove hex bolt.
^ Pull cable of ABS wheel speed sensor out of bracket on brake caliper.





^ Pull track control links out of carrier.





^ Unscrew hex nuts -3- and -4-.
^ Remove hex bolts -5-.
^ Loosen hex bolt -6- until subframe can be removed.

Installing
^ Replace all bolts and nuts.





^ Insert subframe and thread hex bolts -5- and -6- partially.
^ Start hex bolt for suspension strut to track control link





^ Guide bearing and guide links into subframe.
^ Put bolts in outside holes (arrows).

Before tightening subframe, It must be fixed to body using special tool 3393.





^ Holes -1- and -2- of subframe and hole -3- of aluminum bracket must line up on both sides.

Note: Fixing subframe in this way is a substitute for a subsequent axle alignment only when:
^ Only if subframe, has been removed and reinstalled.
^ Holes 4- and -2- line up before repair.





^ Start hex bolts -1- and -2-.
^ Start hex nuts -3- and -4-.
^ Protect drilled hole in body for special tool 3393 against corrosion.

Tightening sequence/tightening torques
Thread in body can be repaired with thread insert made of wire according to DIN 8140 (Helicoil). Thread insert must have same length as thread in body.
^ Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent The bolted connections on the suspension links should therefore only be tightened when the vehicle is standing on the ground.





^ Turn hex bolts -2- and -5- to 110 Nm plus an additional 90° 1/4 turn.
^ Tighten hex bolts -6- to 70 Nm.
^ Tighten hex bolt -1-. Note different versions
^ Tighten hex nuts -3- and -4- to 40 Nm.
^ Further tighten hex bolts for guide link 80 Nm plus additional 90°.
^ Further tighten hex bolts for guide link 90 Nm plus additional 90°.
Note change in coupling and in tightening torques
^ Coupling to stabilizer bar: Tighten to 100 Nm and 60 Nm, respectively always use new ribbed nuts
^ Suspension strut to track control link, 90 Nm.
^ Insert cable of ABS wheel speed sensor into bracket on brake caliper.
^ Mount wheels.