Front Cross-Member: Service and Repair

Replacing Front Axle Suppor/ Front Subframe

Special Tools Required:
^ 32 1 190
^ 32 3 090


Necessary Preliminary Tasks:
- Remove front wheels. Please refer to: Service and Repair
- Remove bumper bracket. Please refer to: [1][2]Replacing Crush Tube
- Remove underbody protection. Please refer to: Service and Repair
- Remove stabilizer link from stabilizer. Please refer to: Service and Repair
- Remove tie rods from swivel bearing.
After completing work, carry out electronic wheel alignment check.






Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:
Replace self-locking nuts.



Tightening torque

Release nut (2) and remove bracket from supply reservoir.
Installation:
Replace self-locking nuts.



Tightening torque







Disconnect plug connection (1).

Detach plug connection (2) in direction arrow.

If necessary, disconnect fan plug connection for power steering.

If necessary, remove cable tie.






Release nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Fold back lower steering spindle in direction of arrow.

Installation:
Replace self-locking nut.



Tightening torque

CVT only:



Slacken cable lock nut (1).
Remove retainer.
Press retaining clips (2) together and remove cable (4) downwards out of bracket (3).

Warning!
Support front axle support with a suitable tool (workshop jack) over a large area and secure against slipping.






Unscrew bolt (1).

Installation:



Tightening torque.

Release screw (2) and remove holder (3).

Installation:



Tightening torque.






Release screws (1) on front axle support at front.

Installation:



Tightening torque.






Release screws (1) from control arm bracket.
Installation:



Tightening torque.
Tighten down screw (1) only after all other screws on the front axle support have been tightened down.
This will prevent the casing from being subjected to torsion stress.






Release screws (1).
Installation:



Tighten torque.

Important!
When lowering the front axle support, make sure that the supply reservoir is guided cleanly through the engine compartment.
Cars with CVT transmission:
Feed out cable for gear selector lever between steering gear and front axle support.

Important!



Hold supply reservoir vertically upwards with a suitable tool.

NOTE:
The following component must be modified when the front axle support is replaced:
- Stabilizer
- Power steering pump (except W17 engine)
- Steering gear
- Control arm
- Ball joint for control arm
- Retaining clip for underbody paneling






Release screws (1) on stoneguard and modify stoneguard.

Installation:



Tightening torque.






Installation:
Modify retaining clip (1), replace if necessary.