Rear Cross-Member: Service and Repair

Subframe

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Brake pedal actuator (V.A.G 1869/2)

• Scissor lift table (VAS 6131)

• Support (2x) (VAS 6131/6-5)

• Support (2x) (VAS 6131/6-7)

• Ring spanner insert AF 21 (T10212)

• Vehicle diagnostic, test and information system (VAS 5051)

Removing


Before starting work, stabilizer bars must be coupled in vehicles with separable stabilizer bars. Otherwise, there is the danger of injury caused by unintentional coupling.

- Depressurize hydraulic system for separable stabilizer bars using (VAS 5051).

- Remove wheels.

- Remove rear part of exhaust system.

- Disconnect brake lines - arrow 2 -.





- Remove brake cables from rear axle.

- Disconnect all electrical wires from body to axle.

- Remove left and right air supply.





- Remove driveshaft from rear final drive and tie up.

Vehicles with Separable Stabilizer Bars

- Remove rear left wheel housing liner.

- Disconnect both hydraulic lines - 1 - and electrical connection - 2 -.





• Lines and wires must not be mixed up when connecting!

- Check whether color marking is present on front in driving direction. If no longer present, apply a new one.

- When loosening hydraulic lines, counterhold using open-end wrench.

Continued for All Vehicles

- Thread both (VAS 6131/6-7) and (VAS 6131/6-5) on (VAS 6131).





- Support subframe using scissor lift table.





- Mark position of crossmember on body using felt-tip pen.

- Remove crossmember on left and right - arrows 1 -.





- Remove bolts - arrows - for subframe.





- Lower scissor lift table slightly and disconnect ventilation line from final drive connecting nipple.

- Slowly lower subframe.

Installing

Installation is the reverse of removal, with special attention to the following:

- Tighten subframe using the old bolts. They have to be replaced with new bolts following wheel alignment.

- Tighten old bolts to specified tightening specification without additional tightening, while doing so.

- After installation, a vehicle alignment must be performed. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.

- Adjust parking brake.

Vehicles with Separable Stabilizer Bars

- Bleed separable stabilizer bar. Refer to => [ Separable Stabilizer Bar, Bleeding ] Separable Stabilizer Bar, Bleeding.

Continued for All Vehicles

- Bleed brake system.

- Install wheels and tighten. Refer to => [ Wheel Bolt Tightening Specification ] [1][2]Specifications.

Tightening Specifications