Subframe, Removing and Installing

Subframe, Removing and Installing

Special tools and equipment






- 3283 hub puller






- VAG1383A engine/transmission jack

Removing

- Loosen right-side 12-point nut.

WARNING:

- The vehicle must be standing on its wheels when loosening or tightening the 12-point nut, Otherwise there is risk of an accident.

- Lift vehicle until load on front axle is relieved.

- Remove wheel.






- Remove noise insulation panel (arrows).






- Remove left-side noise insulation (arrows).

Vehicles with TDI engine

- Remove intake air duct between charge air cooler and turbocharger.

Continued for all vehicles

- Remove right-side noise insulation.






- Mark installation position of ball joint bolts on left control arm and remove bolts (arrows).
- Disconnect left-side drive axle from transmission drive flange.
- Pull wheel bearing housing and ball joint out from control arm.






- Swing wheel and suspension strut outward and support.
- Remove right-side inner CV joint protective cover from engine if installed.
- Remove right-side drive axle refer to Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints.






- Remove bolts -1- and -2- and remove transmission support.
- Remove bolts -5- for steering gear.
- For vehicles with TDI engine, remove bolts -6- for exhaust system.
- Place VAG1383A engine/transmission jack with VAG1359/2 under subframe.
- Remove bolts -3- and -4- for subframe.
- Remove connecting link nut -7- from stabilizer bar.
- Lower subframe using VAG1383A engine/transmission jack.

Installing

Before installing bolts for subframe, position steering gear on subframe and install bolts for steering gear.






- Threaded sleeve -1- of steering gear must seat in subframe hole

Installation is the reverse of removal.
- After installing check position of steering wheel during test drive.

- If the steering wheel is not in the straight ahead position:

- Check front wheel alignment.

Fastener/location - Tightening torque

Ball joint to control arm: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 1/4-turn (90°)
Use new bolts!

Steering gear to subframe: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 1/4-turn (90°)
Use new bolts!

Connecting link to stabilizer bar: 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.)

Subframe to chassis: 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) + 1/4-turn (90°)
Use new bolts!

Transmission support






- Bolts -A-: 20 Nm (115 ft. lbs.) + 1/4-turn (90°)

- Bolts -B-: 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) + 1/4-turn (90°)

- Always replace bolts.