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)

Removing

Brief Description

Subframe is removed using scissor lift table. Subframe is removed together with the following: Rear final drive, control arms, and wheel bearing housings. The air spring shock absorbers/steel spring shock absorbers remain on the vehicle.

Vehicles with an Air Spring Shock Absorber

- Activate the vehicle lift mode and place the vehicle on the lifting platform. Refer to => [ Vehicle Lift Mode ] Description and Operation.

Continuation for All Vehicles

- Insert (V.A.G 1869/2).

- Loosen the wheel bolts.

- Raise the vehicle.

- Remove the front wheels.

Vehicles with an Air Spring Shock Absorber

- Bleed the air spring shock absorber with the (VAS 5051B).

Continuation for All Vehicles

- Remove the rear part of the exhaust system.

- Disconnect the driveshaft from the rear final drive and tie it up.

- Disconnect brake lines.

- Disconnect all electrical wires from body to axle.

Vehicles with an Air Spring Shock Absorber






- Loosen the threaded connection - arrow - between the air spring shock absorber - 1 - and the coupling rod at the wheel bearing housing.

- Remove the bolt.

Vehicles with a Steel Spring Shock Absorber






- Loosen the threaded connection - arrows - between the steel spring shock absorber - 1 - and the coupling rod at the wheel bearing housing.

- Install the block of wood between the subframe - 1 - and the upper rear transverse link - 2 -.






- Press the axle down with a block of wood.

- Remove the bolt.

Continuation for All Vehicles

- Bolt the (VAS 6131/6-7) and (VAS 6131/6-5) to the (VAS 6131).






- Support subframe with (VAS 6131).






- Subframe, locating, refer to => [ Subframe, Securing ] Description and Operation.

- Unscrew the rear bolts for the subframe - arrow - on both sides.






- Slowly lower the subframe with the (VAS 6131).

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

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

- Tighten the old bolts with the specified torque without additional tightening.

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

- Bleed brake system.

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

Tightening Specifications