Rear SUBFRAME (AWD): Removal

With vehicle resting on ground, loosen collar bolt. To reduce the risk of accident, vehicle must be standing on the ground when loosening and tightening collar bolt.
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove exhaust behind converter. Remove heat shield from rear muffler. Remove coil spring. See COIL SPRING .
Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor harness connector (1). See Fig 1 . Set wires aside. Remove parking brake cable (3) at brake caliper. See Fig 2 . Press out clip (2) and pull out hand brake cable to rear. Unbolt shock absorber from transverse link (1).

Fig 1: Identifying ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Harness Connector
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Fig 2: Removing Parking Brake Cable At Brake Caliper
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Remove brake caliper without disconnecting brake hose. Using mechanics wire, hang brake caliper from car. DO NOT allow brake caliper to hang by brake hose.
Check driveshaft for indexing marks. If no marks are found, index driveshaft (B). See Fig 3 . Failure to install driveshaft to original position will result in unbalanced condition. Support drive shaft using wooden wedge (1), and press against heat shield. See Fig 4 . Remove heat shield (2). Remove propeller shaft securing bolts at rear final drive.

Fig 3: Locating Drive Shaft Marking
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Fig 4: Locating Heat Shield
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Remove parking brake cable holder (1). See Fig 5 . Pull parking brake cable out of guide (2) to rear. Remove hex bolt (3). Remove guide for parking brake cable.

Fig 5: Removing Parking Brake At Rear Of Vehicle
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WARNING: Before removing subframe bolts, secure vehicle to reduce risk of tipping over (e.g. load of approximately 220 lbs. (100 kg) in luggage compartment).

Fig 6: Removing Sub Frame & Bolts

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Position transmission lifter (V.A.G. 1383 A) with plate (V.A.G. 1359/2) at final drive. See Fig 6 . Tighten strap around final drive. Remove and DISCARD subframe bolts (arrows). Carefully lower subframe.