Subframe With Attachments

Subframe with Attachments

For a short period of time, subframes for AWD vehicles were installed on FWD vehicles, refer to the Parts Catalog. Performing repairs on the subframe is not affected.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque Wrench 5-50 Nm (V.A.G 1331)

• Torque Wrench 50-200 Nm (V.A.G 1332)

• Engine-/Gearbox Jack (V.A.G 1383 A) with Universal Transmission Support (V.A.G 1359/2)

• Tensioning Strap (T10038)

• 2 wood blocks

A

Removing the Subframe and Attachments






- Determine dimension - a - from the center of the wheel to the lower edge of the wheel housing before starting work while the vehicle is resting on its wheels.

- Place the vehicle on a hoist.

- Remove the wheels.

- Remove the coil springs. Refer to => [ Coil Spring ] Service and Repair.

- Remove the rear muffler.

- Remove the left and right bolt - 2 - and the bracket with wires - 1 -.






- Release the connector - 1 - from the left ABS wheel speed sensor (G46) and right ABS wheel speed sensor (G44) and remove it.






- Disconnect the right and left electro-mechanical parking brake connectors - 3 -.

- Disconnect the connector - 5 - from the left rear level control system sensor (G76) and, if equipped, from the right rear level control system sensor (G77).

- Remove the left wiring harness- 4 -, and if equipped, the right one as well.

- If the vehicle has electronically controlled damping, disconnect the connector on the shock absorber and free up the wiring harness.

- Release the retaining tabs - 1 - and remove the stone deflector - 2 -.






- Remove the bolt - arrow - and washer.






- Remove the bolt - 1 -.






- Remove the brake caliper.

- Guide the brake caliper past the wheel suspension and secure it on the body so the weight of the caliper does not stress or damage the brake hose or line.

- Attach the upper transverse link to the wheel bearing housing by hand - 1 -.

- Remove the cover - 1 and 2 -.






- Install the stone deflectors - 1 and 2 -, if applicable.






Before -LOOSENING- the subframe bolts, secure vehicle against tipping over (for example load luggage compartment with approximately 50 kg).

- Place the (V.A.G 1383 A) with the (V.A.G 1359/2) under the subframe and secure it using the (T10038).






- Support the back of the subframe - 1 - using a suitable wood block - 2 -.

- Support the front of the subframe - 4 - using a suitable wood block - 3 -.

- Guide the (T10038) between the subframe and plastic reservoir.

- Route the (T10038) under the (V.A.G 1359/2) and tighten it.

- Remove the left and right bolts - 1 and 2 -.






- Remove the left and right supports - 3 -.

- Remove bolts - arrows -.






- Carefully lower subframe with components. Be careful of the brake caliper and its lines.

Subframe with Components, Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Subframe, Stabilizer Bar and Coupling Rod Overview ] Subframe, Stabilizer Bar and Coupling Rod Overview

=> [ Wheel Bearing Housing, Wheel Bearing Unit and Coil Spring Shock Absorber Overview ] Wheel Bearing Housing, Wheel Bearing Unit and Coil Spring Shock Absorber Overview

• Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension bolts when vehicle is in curb weight or control position.

• Wheel bearing, lifting to curb weight position on vehicles with coil springs. Refer to => [ Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring ] Description and Operation.

- The center of the subframe mount holes must be aligned to the bolting points on the body.

- If the vehicle has the subframe from the AWD, then align the subframe so that the dimension - a - is 19 mm on vehicles without a stone protection plate, and dimension - b - is 14 mm on vehicles with a stone protection plate.






• Only install the coil springs when the subframe bolts have been tightened to the specification.

- Tighten the wheel.

- Axle alignment is required, see table, refer to => [ When Vehicle Alignment is Necessary ] Description and Operation.

The axle alignment on the front and rear axles must be performed on a VW/Audi approved alignment rack.