Subframe, Removing and Installing

Subframe, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required





^ Engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383A





^ Support T10031

Removing
- First remove spring.
- Remove wheels.





Mark installation position before removing drive shaft - arrows -. This is important because excessive imbalance will occur if the installation position is not correct.
- Open double clamp behind catalytic converter and remove rear section of exhaust system.
- Remove drive shaft from final drive.

1 - Drive shaft with vibration dampener
2 - Drive shaft flange

- Remove heat shield for rear muffler.





- Disconnect parking brake cable from brake caliper.
- Pull parking brake cable out of trailing arm.

The parking brake cables do not have to be pulled out of the trailing arms if the subframe is only to be lowered (for example, when replacing bonded rubber bushings).





- Unclip speed sensor wiring - arrow - from bracket.
- Remove ABS speed sensor from trailing arm housing.





- Disconnect brake lines - arrow -.





- Remove lower bolt for suspension strut - arrow -.





- Place transmission jack e.g. V.A.G 1383A under rear axle - 1 -.
- Use support T10031.





- Guide pins - arrow /1 - into holes in subframe.
- Disconnect vacuum line and electrical wiring.
- Mark position of mounting bracket on body.





- Remove mounting bracket from body - arrow -.





- Remove bolts for axle beam - arrows -.
- Lower rear axle slowly using transmission jack, e.g. V.A.G 1383A.

Installing
Installation is in reverse of removal.
- Tighten bolts for subframe and mounting brackets onto installation position as marked.

After installation the camber and toe settings must be checked using wheel alignment equipment.