Rear Axle, Removing and Installing

Rear axle, servicing

Removing and installing rear axle





Special tools and equipment
^ VAG 1332 Torque wrench
^ VAG 1383 A Engine/transmission jack
- VAG 1869/2 Brake pedal depressor

WARNING:
^ Do not re-use any fasteners that are worn or deformed in normal use.
^ Some fasteners are designed to be used only once, and are unreliable and may fail if used a second time. This includes, but is not limited to nuts, bolts, washers, circlips and cotter pins. Always follow the recommendations in this manual. Replace these fasteners with new parts where indicated, and any other time it is deemed necessary by inspection.
^ Do not attempt to weld or straighten the axle beam or the stub axle.

Removing
- Install brake pedal depressor VAG 1869/2.
- Depress brake pedal with brake pedal depressor.
The bushing bracket should not be removed to remove the rear axle!





- Remove bolts -1- with vehicle standing on its wheels (raise vehicle until bolts are accessible).
- Loosen wheel bolts.
- Raise vehicle further (to relieve coil spring pressure).
- Remove wheels.





- Unclip parking brake cable from retainer on rear axle -arrow A- and unhook from retainers -arrows-.
- Remove clip -1-.
- Place engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A with rag under brake line.





- Disconnect the brake line.





- Counterhold on guide pins and remove mounting bolts from brake caliper.
- Remove brake caliper and hang up on body.

CAUTION: Suspend brake caliper using a piece of wire or similar. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose. The unsupported weight can stretch and damage the hose.





- Disconnect harness connector -1- from ABS wheel speed sensor (where applicable).
- Unclip wheel speed sensor wiring from retainer -arrow-.





- On vehicles without ABS, remove bolts -1- and -2- for brake pressure regulator.
- Place engine/transmission jack VAG 1383 A in position.





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

Installing
Install in reverse order of removal.
After installing:
- Check position of steering wheel during test drive.
If steering wheel is not in straight ahead position:
- Check wheel alignment.

Fastener/location Tightening torques:
Shock absorber to body 30 Nm (22.1 ft. lbs.) plus additional 90° turn
Use new bolts!
Bearing bracket to rear axle 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.)
Use new nuts and bolts!