Rear Subframe
Subframe, removing and installing
Note:
^ The following steps describe the procedure for removing the subframe as a complete unit (i.e. including rear final drive, hub carriers/wheel bearing housings, trapezoidal links, etc.).
^ Perform wheel alignment after completing repairs.
- Loosen collared bolt - arrow - only 90° with vehicle standing on its wheels, if you wish to remove components which require removal of collared bolt.
CAUTION: The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when loosening and tightening the collared bolt. - Risk of accident -
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
Engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A:
- Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1
- Adapter V.A.G 1752/9
- Spring retainers V.A.G 1752/16
- Torque wrench V.A.G 1331
- Torque wrench V.A.G 1332
- Socket T40027
Removing
CAUTION: Before LOOSENING subframe bolts, secure vehicle against tipping over (e.g. by placing a weight of approximately 50 kg in the luggage compartment).
Convertible only
- Remove diagonal braces - 1 - and - 2 -.
Continued for all vehicles
- Remove rear and side floor pan panels in front of subframe.
- Remove wheels.
- Secure brake discs with a wheel bolt.
- Remove rear section of exhaust system.
- Remove coil spring.
- Unbolt shock absorber from wheel bearing housing - 1 -.
Vehicles with comfort/heavy-duty suspension
- Remove stone shield from trapezoidal link.
Continued for all vehicles
- Unfasten bolts to remove parking brake cable from bracket below trapezoidal link.
- Remove brake caliper - arrows -. Use socket T40027.
Note:
^ Tie up brake caliper to body with wire.
^ Do not suspend the brake caliper from the brake hose.
- Remove wheel speed sensor and cable guide.
- On vehicles with headlight range control, disconnect connector from vehicle level sensor.
All wheel drive vehicles
- Remove drive shaft from rear final drive.
- Secure drive shaft to body with wire.
- Disconnect parking brake cables from fuel tank.
- Remove bolts - 2 - and remove shock absorber.
- Remove brake disc and splash plate.
Continued for all vehicles
- Apply engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A with universal transmission support V.A.G 1359/2 and a suitable wooden block to subframe/final drive (illustration shows vehicle with front wheel drive).
- Tighten belt around subframe or final drive.
CAUTION: Before LOOSENING subframe bolts, secure vehicle against tipping over (e.g. by placing a weight of approximately 50 kg in the luggage compartment).
- Remove subframe bolts - arrows -.
Front wheel drive vehicles
- Place parking brake cable and brake caliper over transverse link.
- Lower subframe carefully. Guide subframe to prevent it from slipping.
All wheel drive vehicles
- Carefully lower subframe approximately 15 cm. Guide subframe to prevent it from slipping.
- Push subframe to the left until right parking brake cable and brake caliper can be routed over transverse link.
Note:
^ Take care not to stretch brake hose.
- Push subframe to the right until left parking brake cable and brake caliper can be routed over transverse link.
- Lower subframe.
Installing
Note:
- Replace bolts and self-locking nuts [] instructions in exploded views.
Installation of subframe in the body is performed in reverse sequence to removal.
- Center subframe by aligning four holes inside bushings with tapped holes in body.
- Install and tighten new subframe combi bolts.
All wheel drive vehicles
- Install brake disc splash plate.
- Install brake disc and secure with a wheel bolt.
- Bolt drive shaft to rear final drive.
- Attach shock absorber to body
- Attach parking brake cables to fuel tank.
Continued for all vehicles
- Install and align exhaust system.
- Connect connector for headlight range control to vehicle level sensor.
- Install speed sensor and cable guide
- Bolt brake caliper onto hub carrier or wheel bearing housing.
- Install parking brake cable with bracket under trapezoidal link and tighten bolts.
- Tighten shock absorber nut - 1 - initially to 20 Nm.
- Install coil spring.
Only if collared bolt has been loosened:
Always install a new collared bolt.
- On vehicles with all wheel drive, install 5 wheel bolts and tighten finger-tight. Apply parking brake firmly.
- Tighten collared bolt initially to specified torque, without turning further (front wheel drive) or (all wheel drive).
- Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. The mountings of the suspension links must only be tightened when the suspension is in the curb weight position.
- Tighten bolt connection - 1 - (front wheel drive) or (all wheel drive), respectively.
- Install wheel and fasten.
Only if collared bolt has been loosened:
- Tighten collared bolt by turning through specified angle (front wheel drive), or (all wheel drive).
CAUTION: The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when loosening and tightening the collared bolt. -Risk of accident-
- Install rear and side floor pan panels.
- Perform wheel alignment.
Wheel alignment must be performed on wheel alignment equipment recommended by Audi.
Vehicles with comfort/heavy-duty suspension
- Install stone shield and tighten bolts.
Convertible only
- Install diagonal braces - 1 - and - 2 -.