SUBFRAME Rear Bearing, Replacing, Vehicles With AWD: Removing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2015 Audi S7, 2015 Audi RS 7, 2015 Audi A7 Quattro, 2014 Audi S7, and 2014 Audi RS 7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Check the other bushings before replacing a faulty bonded rubber bushing.

If cracks, oil leaks or other damage is visible, this bonded rubber busing must be replaced too.

To replace the rubber bonded bushing, lower the back of the subframe. It is not necessary to remove the subframe.

Do not lower the subframe more than 4 cm.

Identify mounting location to subframe before removing the bonded rubber bushing.

-- Secure the vehicle to the hoist lifting arms -arrow B- with the Tensioning Strap T10038 over the striker pin -arrow A-.

Fig 1: Tensioning Strap T10038

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Place a piece of foam rubber -1- between the sill panel and the Tensioning Strap T10038 and then tension the Tensioning Strap T10038

NOTE:

Be careful not to scratch the sill panel.

CAUTION:

The vehicle could fall off the hoist if it is not secured.

-- Remove the rear wheels, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Loosen the nuts on rear exhaust system brackets but only as far as to where the thread begins.

-- Place the Engine and Gearbox Jack VAS6931 under the subframe -1-.

Fig 2: Placing A Block Of Wood Under Subframe

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-- Place a wood block -2- under the subframe -1-.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows-.

Fig 3: Subframe Position & Bolts

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-- Install the Bearing Installer - Component 3346/2 with the thrust bearing from the Subframe Bushing Tool Kit 3301 and Nut - Component 3346/3, as illustrated, on the opposite side of the bonded rubber bushing being replaced approximately 1.5 cm into the vehicle body.

Fig 4: Spindle 3346/2, 3301 And 3346/3 (Approximately 1.5 cm)

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Subframe Bushing Tool Kit 3301
Nut - Component 3346/3
Bearing Installer - Component 3346/2

NOTE:

Turn the Nut - Component 3346/3 on the Bearing Installer - Component 3346/2 until dimension -a- 4 cm is reached.

-- Lower the subframe 4 cm only.

Applies to A Hydraulic Bonded Rubber Bushing

Fig 5: Plastic Insert -1-

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-- Pry the plastic stop -1- upward and off the bonded rubber bushing.

Applies to All

Fig 6: Carefully Pry Anti-Twist Mechanism

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-- Pry the stop plate -1- off the bonded rubber bushing alternating from side to side.

-- Mark the installed position of the hydraulic bonded rubber bushing on the subframe -arrows- with a felt-tip pen for installation later.

Fig 7: Ends Of Rubber Bead On Bonded Rubber Bushing Must Align With Markings

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-- If necessary, the support -arrow- with the >>small<< interior diameter must be removed from the Hydraulic Press VAS6178 and the Pressure Head T10205/13 for it must be installed.

Fig 8: Support -Arrow- And VAS 6178

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-- Place the tools on the front bonded rubber bushing as shown in the illustration.

Fig 9: Placing Tools On Front Bonded Rubber Bushing

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Hydraulic Press - Rear Subframe Bushing Tool Kit-Nut T10263/5
Subframe Bushing Assembly Tool - Thrust Piece T40185/5. The opening faces the rubber bonded bushing.
Subframe
Subframe Bushing Assembly Tool - Support Ring T40185/6. The conical side must face upward and the ribs must fit into the openings in the rubber bonded bushing.
Rear Bushing Tool - Tube T40033/3
Bearing Installer - Wheel Hub/Bearing Kit - 4T10205/4
Hydraulic Press VAS6178
Hydraulic Press - Rear Subframe Bushing Tool Kit-Nut T10263/5
Hydraulic Press - Rear Subframe Bushing Tool Kit-Spindle T10263/4 The spindle pins face downward.

WARNING:

Hold the Hydraulic Press VAS6178 firmly while pressing out.
Bonded rubber bushing loosens >>abruptly<<. There is the risk of injuries by tools and bonded rubber bushing coming off!