Front Suspension (AWD)

Subframe, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required





^ Engine support bridge 10 - 222 A





^ Adapter 10 - 222 A /22





^ Bracket with spindle and hook 10 - 222 A /10





^ Engine Sling 2024 A





^ Engine Support Basic Set T40091





^ Engine Support Supplement Set T40093





^ Ball joint puller T10187





^ Hose clamps up to 25 mm dia. 3094





^ Scissor lift table VAS 6131
^ Support Set VAS 6131/10
^ Supplementary set VAS 6131/11
^ Supplementary set VAS 6131/13

Removing
Brief description:

Subframe is removed using scissor lift table. Front mounting points of engine carrier must be secured using shorter bolts. Subframe is removed together with these: Steering gear, front drive axle, lower control arm and wheel bearing housing. The suspension struts with mounting brackets and upper control arms remain on vehicle.

Affects vehicles with air suspension
- Place vehicle on hoist.
- Perform system vent using VAS 5051 B.

Affects vehicles with 4.2L FSI engine





- Remove rear engine cover - arrows -.





- Remove front engine cover - arrows -.
- Remove left and right air filter housing.





- Remove coolant line retaining clamp nuts and bolts - arrows -.

Note:
^ With connectors removed, coolant lines may be laid aside slightly in order to position supports 10-222 A/19 on long members.





- Position Engine Support Bridge 10-222 A with Adapter 10-222 A/22 and connectors T40091/3 on bolted fender edges.





- Install additional Engine Support Bridge 10-222 A parts as shown in illustration. Also place supports 10-222 A/19 on notches on long members.
- Engage hooks on both short spindles 10 - 222 A /10 at rear engine lifting eyes.





- Slide support T40091/2 with both slides T40093/5 in both mounts T40093/4.
- Install long spindles from Engine Support Bridge 10-222 A and engage spindle hooks at both front engine lifting eyes.

CAUTION!
Secure support T40091/2 with connector pins and splints T40093/4.

- Tension engine by tightening 4 spindles evenly.
- Remove front wheels.
- Remove sound insulation.
- Remove both brackets with ABS speed sensor and brake wear indicator electrical lines at wheel bearing housing and disconnect connectors.
- Remove brake caliper and secure to body so that weight of caliper does not stress or damage brake hose or brake line.

CAUTION!
^ Hose clamps up to 25 mm dia. 3094 may not be secured on return hose in check valve area.
^ The check valve is in the return hose between the cambers - A arrows - or between hose clamps - B arrows -.





Check valve in return hose





- Clamp off suction and return line at reservoir with Hose Clamps up to 25 mm dia. 3094.





- Remove bracket for hydraulic lines - 1 -.
- Remove pressure line and return line - 2 - from steering gear.





- Check if there is a factory marking (paint dot) on front drive shaft and drive shaft flange. If not, mark position of drive shaft constant velocity joint - arrow A - to drive shaft flange on front final drive - arrow B - with paint.





- Remove drive shaft from front rear final drive - arrows A - and tie up.





- If present, remove shielding plate - A - from steering gear (2 bolts).

Note:
^ Only remove universal joint from steering gear with front wheels in straight ahead position.
^ Do not change steering wheel position and steering gear position.

- Remove bolt - B - for universal joint at steering gear and remove universal joint from steering gear.





- Disconnect electrical connector - arrow - at Servotronic Solenoid Valve N119.





- Remove nut from upper control arm and press arm off.





Prepare scissor lift table:
- Set up Scissor Lift Table VAS 6131 with Support Set VAS 6131/10 as well as Supplementary Set VAS 6131/11 and VAS 6131/13 as follows:





- Next, fasten support elements by hand onto scissor lift table.
- Position Scissor Lift Table VAS 6131 horizontally.
^ Note bubble level (level indicator) on mounting table.
- Guide scissor lift table under engine/transmission assembly.





- Attach mounting elements from VAS 6131/10 and VAS 6131/11 at front of subframe as shown in illustration.





- Position supporting elements from VAS 6131/13 on strut supports as shown in illustration.





- Attach mounting elements from VAS 6131/10 at rear of subframe as shown in illustration.
- Rotate support element spindles upward enough so that all mounting pins contact mounting points.
- Attach support element base plates to Scissor Lift Table VAS 6131 and tighten to 20 Nm.





- Disconnect left and right connectors - 1 - and - 2 -.





- Remove bolts - 4 -.





- Lower subframe approx. 50 mm and carefully remove breather line - A - from front final drive.
- Unclip power steering line from subframe and free it up.
- Now, slowly let down subframe while constantly observing for freedom of movement.

Installing
Installation is in reverse order of removal, with special attention to:

- Tighten drive shaft.
- On vehicles with air suspension, position vehicle on wheels.
- Tighten wheels.
- Bleed steering system.
- Check power steering fluid level.
- Check steering system for leaks.