Subframe, Removing and Installing

Subframe, removing and installing

Special tools and equipment
^ 3283 Hub puller
^ VAG 1383 A Engine/transmission jack

Removing
- Lift vehicle until load on front axle is relieved.
- Loosen right-side 12-point nut.
- Remove wheel.





- Remove noise insulation panel -arrows-.

WARNING:

The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when loosening or tightening the 12-point nut. Otherwise there is risk of an accident.





- Remove left-side noise insulation -arrows-.

Vehicles with TDI engine

- Remove intake air duct between charge air cooler and turbocharger.

Continued for all vehicles

- Remove right-side noise insulation.
- Mark installation position of ball joint bolts on control arm.





- Remove bolts -arrows-.
- Disconnect left-side drive axle from transmission drive flange.
- Pull wheel bearing housing with ball joint out from control arm.





- Swing wheel with suspension strut outward and support.
- Remove right-side inner CV joint protective cover from engine if installed.
- Remove right-side drive axle.





- Remove bolts -1- and -2- and remove transmission support.
- Remove bolts -5- for steering gear.
- For vehicles with TDI engine, remove bolts -6- for exhaust system.
- Place engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A with VAG 1359/2 under subframe.
- Remove bolts -3- and -4- for subframe.
- Remove connecting link nut -7- from stabilizer bar.
- Lower subframe with engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A.

Installing

Before installing bolts for subframe, position steering gear on subframe and install bolts for steering gear.





The threaded sleeve -1- of the steering gear must seat in subframe hole

Installation is the reverse of removal.

After installing check position of steering wheel during a test drive.

If steering wheel is not in straight ahead position check the front axle alignment!

Fastener/location Tightening torque
Ball joint to control arm 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) plus additional 90° turn
Use new bolts!
Steering gear to subframe 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) plus additional 90° turn
Use new bolts
Connecting link to stabilizer bar 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.)
Subframe to chassis 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) plus additional 90° turn
Use new bolts!





Transmission support

^ Bolts -A-: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) plus additional 90° turn
^ Bolts -B-: 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) plus additional 90° turn
- Always replace bolts