Subframe

Subframe

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Engine/transmission jack (V.A.G 1383 A)

• Tensioning strap (T10038)

• Wheel hub support (T10149)

Removing

- Remove wheels.

- Remove noise insulation.

- Remove the left and right wheel housing liner..

- Remove the crossbrace. Refer to => [ Subframe Crossbrace ] Service and Repair.

- Remove the right and left subframe shield if applicable. Refer to => [ Subframe Shield ] Subframe Shield.

- Remove the stabilizer bar. Refer to => [ Stabilizer Bar ] Stabilizer Bar.

Applies to Vehicles with Hydraulic Steering Gear

- Remove steering gear. Refer to => [ Steering Gear ] Steering Gear.

Continuation for All Vehicles

- Remove the level control system sensor, if applicable. Refer to => [ Level Control System Sensor ] Level Control System Sensor.

- Secure the left and right wheel housing liner to the mounting bracket using a (T10038) as illustrated.






- Remove the left and right control arms. Refer to => [ Track Control Arm ] Track Control Arm.

- Support the engine entirely using the engine support bridge.

- Remove the bolts - 1 - and nuts - 3 - and the longitudinal braces - 2 -.






- Remove the bolt - 1 -.






- Move the guide link and secure it to the body with wire.

- On vehicles with electro-hydraulic engine mounts, disconnect the left electro-hydraulic engine mount solenoid valve (N144) and right electro-hydraulic engine mount solenoid valve (N145) connector - arrow -.






- Depending on the engine version, remove the nut - 2 - for the electrical wiring bracket on the right side of the vehicle.

Applies to Vehicles with Hydraulic Steering Gear






- Remove the bolt for the power steering line bracket - arrow -.

Continuation for All Vehicles






- Remove the left and right engine mount bolts - 1 and 5 -.

- Move the left and right engine mount retaining plate - 2 - to the side.

• Before lowering the subframe, make sure all the electrical wiring connections have been disconnected and removed.

• Mark the installation location of the subframe - A - to - D -, for example, using a felt-tip pen.

- Remove the bolts - 1 - through - 8 - and remove the subframe.






Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

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

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Suspension Strut with Bracket, Shock Absorber, Upper Control Arm and Tower Brace Assembly Overview ] Suspension Strut With Bracket, Shock Absorber, Upper Control Arm and Tower Brace Assembly Overview.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Track Control Arm, Ball Joint, Guide Link and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview ] Track Control Arm, Ball Joint, Guide Link and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Wheel Bearing Housing and Wheel Bearing Unit Assembly Overview ] Removal and Replacement.

Subframe Bolting Procedure






- Insert the subframe and align according to the markings - A - and - B - made earlier. Tighten bolts - 2 - and - 3 - to the specification.

- Press the subframe at the markings - C - or - D - and tighten the bolts - 5 - and - 8 - to the specification.

- Insert the bolts - 1 -, - 4 -, - 6 - and - 7 - and tighten to the specification.

- Tighten the bolts - 1 - through - 8 - with an additional turn.

• Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension screws 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, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Front Suspension.

- On vehicles with automatic headlamp range control system, perform a basic setting on the headlamps.

- If the vehicle level sensor was removed and installed on a vehicle with electronically controlled damping or if the linkage was loosened, the control position must be reprogrammed. Refer to => [ Control Position, Programming using VAS 5051B ] Testing and Inspection.

- If the control position was reprogrammed on vehicles with lane assist, the lane assist control module (J759) must be re-calibrated. Refer to => [ Lane Assist Calibration Procedure ] Lane Assist Calibration Procedure.

- Tighten wheel.

- Axle alignment is required, see Table. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.