Control link, removing and installing, (all engine versions except 3.0L TDI and 3.2L FSI)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 17 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Identifying Engine/Transmission Jack V.A.G. 1383 A

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A

Fig 2: Ball Joint Puller T40010

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Ball joint puller T40010
Torque wrench V.A.G 1331
Torque wrench V.A.G 1332

Removing

Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).
Remove wheel.
Remove sound insulation. →
- 50 BODY, FRONT
- 50 - BODY - FRONT for BODY EXTERIOR - CABRIOLET
On vehicles with headlight range control, remove Left Front Level Control System Sensor G78 from control link → Vehicles with automatic headlight vertical aim control, vehicle level sensor .

Secure brake disc with a wheel bolt.
Remove nut from guide link joint pins enough so that it is flush with joint pin threads. Use 4 mm socket wrench to hold joint pin, if necessary.

Fig 3: Separating Lower Link Joint Pin From Tapered Seat Using Ball Joint Puller T40010

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Separate control link joint pin from tapered seat using ball joint puller T40010.

NOTE:

Ensure both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force, adjust if necessary.
To avoid damaging upper link joints, wheel bearing housing must be braced against a rebound that is too strong, e.g. using engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A

Fig 4: Identifying Guide Link/Subframe Connection Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove hex bolt - 1 -.
Remove bolts - 2 - and - 4 - , remove connecting link.
Remove hex bolt - 3 -.
Remove lower control link.

Installing

NOTE:

Bolts and nuts must be replaced.
Bonded rubber bushings have a limited torsional range. Only tighten threaded connections at control links if vehicle is in curb weight position → Wheel bearing, lifting to curb weight position

Fig 5: Identifying Guide Link/Subframe Connection Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Install new hex head bolt - 3 - and new hex nut and tighten
Remove adhesive residue at joint pins from control link
Tight nut at joint pins (control link)
Tighten threaded connection - 1 -

Tighten bolt - 2 -
Tighten bolt - 4 -
On vehicles with headlight range control, install vehicle level sensor link at control link → Vehicles with automatic headlight vertical aim control, vehicle level sensor .
Install sound insulation. →
- 50 BODY, FRONT
- 50 - BODY - FRONT for BODY EXTERIOR - CABRIOLET

Mount wheel and tighten. This information is contained in AESIS; Library; Additional Information; Wheels and Tire Guide