Front Cross-Member Bushing: Service and Repair

Subframe mountings, replacing

Notes: Mountings can be replaced with subframe in vehicle.

Special tools and equipment





- VAG 1 383A Transmission jack
- 3 - Separating tool, Kukko 15 - 1 with Kukko 17 - 1
- Items - 1 -, - 2 - and - 4 - are not required
- VW441 Base plate
- VW447h Thrust plate
- VAG1332 torque wrench: 40 - 200 Nm





- Remove noise insulation.





- Unscrew Tort bolt securing noise insulation (left arrow).
- Vehicles with 165 kW (221 hp) engine (engine code APX): detach rubber mounting on front exhaust pipe.





- Remove rear bolts - 1 -.
- By loosening front bolts - 2 -, lower subframe until mountings are accessible.





- Apply separating tool Kukko 15 - 1 with Kukko 17 - 1, and pull out upper section of mounting.
- Insert thrust plate VW447h.





- Using transmission jack and base plate VW441, press subframe upward until lower section of mounting drops out.





- Positions of upper and lower sections of mounting
A - Upper section of mounting without collar: goes toward body.
B - Lower section of mounting with collar: goes toward bolt head.

Notes:
- Lubricate rubber surfaces of new mountings with special lubricant G 294 421 A1.
- Note positions of mountings.

- Install both sections of mounting in position.





- Press in new mountings using transmission jack.
Tightening Torques:
Subframe to body (use new bolts) 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) + 90°

After installing, check position of steering wheel during a test drive.
If steering wheel is not in straight ahead position the front axle tracking must be checked.

Notes: Drive axle/wheel hub splines and 12 - point nut are secured with locking fluid.
- Load - bearing components or parts of the suspension must not be welded or straightened.
- Bonded rubber bushes can only be turned to a limited extent. Bolted connections on suspension links should only be tightened when vehicle is standing on the ground.
- Wheel bearings must not be loaded when 12 - point nuts are loose.
- Wheel bearings will be damaged if they have to support the weight of the vehicle in this condition. This will reduce the service life of the bearings. Please keep to the following procedure

- Lift vehicle until load on front axle is relieved and loosen 12 - point nut.
- Do not attempt to move the vehicle when a drive axle has been removed, as this will result in wheel bearing damage. If the vehicle does have to be moved, always note the following points:

- Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.
- Tighten the outer joint to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).