Rear Suspension
Transverse links, removing and installing
The transverse link is available in different versions.
The same version must always be installed on both sides.
- Lift vehicle on lifting platform.
- Remove rear wheels.
Removing sensor
- If the vehicle has automatic headlight vertical range control, mark the installation position of clamp - 7 - on transverse link - 6 - and transfer the marking to the new transverse link.
Note installation position of coupling rod - 4 - in relation to sensor arm.
- Loosen nuts - 5 -.
4 - Coupling rod
5 - Self-locking nut, 4 Nm
^ Always replace if removed
^ Hex nut NO11 183 12
6 - Lower transverse link
7 - Clamp
Note: When attaching linkage - item1 - to level sensor, use a 9 mm open-ended wrench with dimension - A - to avoid damaging the seal.
The linkage is only attached to the sensor after the new transverse link has been installed.
- Dimension A: 4 mm
Tightening torque: 3.5 Nm
Installing sensor
Install in reverse order.
- Make sure that distance - X - is correct before installation. X= 153 mm
Sequence for left side of vehicle
- Unclip speed sensor wire from bracket.
- Open cover - 2 - for connector - 1 -.
- Remove ABS speed sensor from trailing arm housing.
- Remove bolts - 1 - and - 2 -.
Note correct positions of bolts (they are installed in different directions).
Tightening torque: 70 Nm plus an additional 90° 1/4 turn
Always replace nuts and bolts when re-assembling.
3 - Upper transverse link
4 - Lower transverse link
5 - Trailing arm
CAUTION! The following work must not be performed on both sides of the vehicle at the same time.
- Remove bolt - 5 -.
Tightening torque
Always replace bolt when re-assembling.
- Remove bolts - 1 - and - 2 -.
Tightening torque See Trailing arm and transverse links, assembly overview
Always replace nuts and bolts when re-assembling.
The new bolts are installed from front to rear.
3 - Upper transverse link
4 - Lower transverse link
- Pull trailing arm outwards slightly.
- Remove lower transverse link - 4 -.
CAUTION! Take care not to damage bushing.
- Position transmission jack V.A.G1359/2 underneath trailing arm, using a block of wood - arrow -.
- Raise transmission jack until the trailing arm is approximately horizontal.
CAUTION! Do not raise vehicle further than necessary, to prevent any risk of it falling off the lifting platform.
- Remove bolts securing upper transverse link.
- Lower transmission jack again.
- Push upper transverse link - 1 - as far as possible horizontally and vertically into subframe - 2 -.
- Pull trailing arm outward slightly.
- Remove upper transverse link - 1 - from trailing arm first, then from subframe.
CAUTION! Take care not to damage bushing.
Installing transverse links
- First, the upper transverse link must be inserted in the subframe.
- Push upper transverse link - 1 - as far as possible horizontally and vertically into subframe - 2 -.
- Align upper and lower ball joints with mountings on subframe so that rubber boots do not get damaged when transverse links are installed.
- Pull trailing arm outwards slightly.
- Push transverse link - 1 - over bushing.
CAUTION! Take care not to damage bushing.
- Install new bolt - 1 - and secure with a new nut.
- Install new bolt - 1 - and secure with a new nut.
- Push lower transverse link - 4 - over bushing on trailing arm and secure with a new bolt - 2 - and new nut.
- Install new bolt - 1 - and secure with a new nut.
- Pull trailing arm outward slightly and position lower transverse link - 4 - at subframe.
- Install new bolt - 2 - and secure with a new nut.
Installation of the transverse links is in reverse order of removal.
The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when tightening the bolt connections with bonded rubber bushings.
Otherwise, the bushing would be subject to torsion and its service life shortened.
- Note direction in which bolts - 1 - are installed; - arrow - points in direction of travel.
- If installed, install headlight range control linkage on upper transverse link.
- Clip sensor wiring back into position.
- Check that there is sufficient clearance between splash plate and brake disc.
- If necessary, ensure correct clearance.
- Install wheels.
The bolts for the transverse links must only be tightened when the vehicle is standing on its wheels.
- After installation the camber and toe settings must be checked using wheel alignment equipment.
- Basic setting must be performed for vehicles with headlight range control
Work steps for right side of vehicle
CAUTION! The following work must not be performed on both sides of the vehicle at the same time.
The procedure for the right side of the vehicle is the same as for the left side.
- Install wheels.
The bolts for the transverse links must only be tightened when the vehicle is standing on its wheels.
- After installation the camber and toe settings must be checked using wheel alignment equipment.