Rear Subframe: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Beam

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Engine/transmission jack (V.A.G 1383 A) with universal transmission support (V.A.G 1359/2)

• Brake pedal depressor (V.A.G 1869/2)

Removing

- Measure dimension from center of wheel to lower edge of wheel housing => [ Lifting into Curb Weight Position ] Rear Suspension.

- Insert brake pedal depressor (V.A.G 1869/2 ).

- Operate brake pedal using brake pedal depressor.

- Remove bolts - 1 - while vehicle stands on wheels. If necessary, lift vehicle until bolts are accessible.





- Loosen wheel bolts.

- Raise vehicle to installation height, taking tension off coil springs.

- Remove wheels.

Secure vehicle to lifting platform.

Vehicle must be secured to lift arms of lifting platform before rear axle is removed.

CAUTION!
If a vehicle is not secured, there is danger that the vehicle could slip off the hoist!

- Remove plug from longitudinal member - 3 - and pull in tensioning strap (T10038).





1 Lift arm of lifting platform
2 Tensioning strap (T10038 )
Vehicle must be secured by tension belts on right and left sides.

With Automatic Headlight Range Control

- Remove coupling rod of left rear level control system sensor (G76) from rear axle => [ Left Rear Level Control System Sensor Overview ] Left Rear Level Control System Sensor Overview.

Continuation for All

- Unclip parking brake cable from bracket at rear axle body - arrow A - and disengage from brackets - arrows -.





- Remove clip - 1 -.

- Place engine/transmission jack (V.A.G 1383 A ) with a cloth under brake line.

- Disconnect brake lines.





- Counter-hold guide pins and remove attachment bolts from brake caliper housing.





- Remove brake caliper and hang on body.

- Disconnect connector - 1 - from wheel speed sensor.





- Unclip wire for wheel speed sensor from bracket.

- Place engine/transmission jack (V.A.G 1383 A ) underneath.

- Support rear axle.

- Remove mounting bracket bolts - 1 - at rear axle on both sides and lower rear axle.





Vehicles in which point of bolt - 2 - points toward vehicle exterior (only valid for right side of vehicle):





- Mark installation position of mounting bracket for rear axle and remove mounting bracket from chassis.

- If rear axle is to be replaced, loosen bolt - 2 - and remove nut.

- Pull bolt - 2 - out of mounting bracket.

Installing

Greasing bonded rubber bushing

- Before installing rear axle grease kidney-shaped recesses of bonded rubber bushing with assembly paste (G 052 150 )

If rear axle beam is inserted "when dry", noises may occur while driving.

Bolting mounting bracket at rear axle must only occur after dimension measured before installation between the wheel hub center and the lower edge of wheel housing has been attained => [ Install with wheel bolt. ] Rear Suspension!

Otherwise, the rubber bushing will be stressed resulting in a shortened service life.

- Tighten threaded connection of mounting bracket to rear axle to tightening specification.

Rest of installation is in reverse order of removal.

After installation, position of steering wheel must be checked with a road test.

If steering wheel is crooked, an axle alignment must be performed!

Tightening specifications => [ Rear Axle ] Rear Axle Component Tightening Specifications.