Subframe

Subframe, removing and installing





Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
^ Engine support bridge 10 - 222 A
^ Bracket for engine 10 - 222 A/1
^ Testing mandrel 3393
^ Torque wrench V.A.G 1331
^ Torque wrench VAG 1332
^ Engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A

Removing
- Support engine assembly with support bracket.
- Remove wheel trim; pull trim cap off light-alloy wheels (using puller in vehicle tool kit).
- Remove wheels.
- Secure brake disc with one wheel bolt.
- Remove sound insulation.

Convertible only
- Remove front diagonal brace.

Continued for all vehicles





- Before loosening subframe, use special tool -3393- to check whether holes - 1 - and - 2 - are aligned.

If they do not, you must perform wheel alignment after the subframe is re-installed.





- Loosen nuts - arrows - at transmission mounts.





- Remove nut - 1 -.
- On vehicles with headlight range control, detach coupling rod for self leveling sensor from track control link.





- Remove bolt - 5 - for ABS speed sensor.
- Detach ABS speed sensor wiring from bracket on wheel bearing housing.

Vehicles with HP-2 brake caliper





- Remove hex bolt - 2 - and remove brake line bracket.
- Remove bolts - 1 - for brake caliper and remove brake caliper.
- Re-attach brake line bracket. Re-install and tighten hex bolt - 2 -.
- Fasten brake caliper to body so that the weight of the brake caliper does not bend or damage the brake line.

Continued for all vehicles
- Detach brake caliper and fasten to body so that weight of brake caliper does not bend or damage brake hose or brake line.

To avoid damage to upper links joints, support wheel bearing housing (e.g. using Engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A) to prevent suspension from extending too far.





- Remove bolt - 1 -.
- Remove bolt - 4 -.
- Remove bolt - 3 -.
- Loosen bolt connections between guide links and subframe.
- If necessary, remove tunnel crossmember.
- Place Engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A with suitable wooden block under subframe and apply slight pressure upward.





- Remove hex bolts - 1 -.
- Remove hex bolts - 2 - and lower subframe at rear.
- Remove hex bolts out of guide links.
- Pull guide links out of subframe.

Note:
^ Secure joints of track control link and guide link to body using binding wire to protect them from excessive bending.





- Detach hydraulic line - arrow - from bracket.





- Remove bolt - 3 -.
- Loosen hex bolts - 2 - until subframe can be removed.

Installing





- Install subframe and install hex bolts - 5 - and - 6 -.
- Install hex bolt for securing suspension strut to track control link.
- Insert track control links and guide links in subframe.

Before tightening subframe, mountings must be located on body using special tools 3393.





- Hole - 1 -, subframe hole - 2 - and hole - 3 - in aluminum bracket must align on both sides.

Note:
^ This locating method avoids the need for a subsequent wheel alignment check, provided that:

^ Only the subframe has been removed and installed.

^ Holes - 1 - and - 2 - were in alignment prior to repair work.





- Install hex bolts - 1 - and - 2 -.
- Apply corrosion protection to holes in body where special tools 3393 are inserted.





- Screw nut - 1 -.





- Tighten nuts for transmission mounts - arrows - if necessary.





- Clip cable - arrow - onto bracket.

Tightening sequence

Note:
^ Thread in body can be repaired using wire thread insert according to DIN 8140 (Helicoil). The thread insert must be of the same length as the thread in the body.

^ Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. The bolted joints at the suspension links are not to be tightened until the vehicle is standing on the ground.





- Tighten hex bolts - 2 - and - 5 -.
- Tighten hex bolts - 1 -.





- Tighten nuts for transmission mounts - arrows -.





- Tighten bolt - 2 -.
- Tighten nut - 1 - for engine mount.





- Tighten hex bolts - 3 - for track control links.
- Tighten hex bolts for guide links.
- Fasten connecting link - 4 - to stabilizer bar.
- Secure suspension strut to track control link.
- Install tunnel crossmember if necessary.





- Tighten bolt - 5 - for ABS speed sensor.
- Secure brake caliper to wheel bearing housing
- Install wheels and tighten

Convertible only
- Install front diagonal brace.

Continued for all vehicles

Note:
^ If the subframe has been located to the body with drift 3393 prior to removal and assembly (before tightening the bolts), wheel alignment may not be necessary.
^ If the subframe was not located, you must perform a wheel alignment.

- Perform wheel alignment.

Wheel alignment must be performed on wheel alignment equipment recommended by Audi.