Rear Axle, Removing And Installing, AWD Vehicles

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm: VAG1332

Removing the Subframe and Its Attachments

-- Before starting the procedure, measure the distance from the center of the wheel to the lower edge of the wheel housing. Refer to WHEEL BEARING IN CURB WEIGHT POSITION, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING .

NOTE:

The vehicle must be resting on it wheels during any subsequent work where the drive axle collar bolt must be loosened. Loosen the connection between the drive axle and wheel hub. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

-- Remove the rear wheels. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Disconnect and free up the right and left connector -1- from the ABS speed sensor.

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-- Disconnect the right and left electromechanical parking brake connector -2- from the brake caliper.

-- Remove and free up the wiring harness from the retainers -arrows-.

Applies to Vehicles with a Level Control System Sensor

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-- Disconnect the connector -2- from the left rear level control system sensor -1- and, if necessary, from the right sensor.

-- To avoid damaging the level control system sensor, remove the bolts -lower arrows- from the linkage for the level control system sensor.

-- Free up the level control system sensor wire on the subframe.

Applies to All

-- Remove the springs. Refer to SPRING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the nut -1- and the bolt -2-.

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-- Unclip the brake lines from both sides -arrows-.

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-- Unclip the EVAP canister breather line on the right side from the clips.

NOTE:

The clips will get damaged while doing this and will have to be replaced.

-- Remove the clamps -1- on both sides of the vehicle.

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-- Free up the brake lines from the bracket.

NOTE:

Do not disconnect the brake line.

-- Remove the right and left brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING, REAR BRAKES .

-- Remove the muffler. Refer to MUFFLER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING [CNTC, CYFB] or MUFFLER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING [DAZA, DNWA] .

-- Remove the underbody trim panels. Refer to UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Unclip and free up the wire -2- on the bracket -1-.

Fig 1: Tighten The Bolts -arrows-

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-- Mark the mounting bracket -1- installation position on the body.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows-.

-- Remove the driveshaft from bevel box. Refer to the appropriate Service Information .

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-- Support the driveshaft -3- at the tunnel brace -1- using a wooden block -2-.

-- Slide the rear driveshaft tube as far as possible in the direction of the transmission.

-- Disconnect the connector -B- on the All Wheel Drive Control Module -J492- -A-.

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-- Secure the subframe. Refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING .

-- Carefully lower subframe with components.

NOTE:

Make sure there is enough clearance for brake lines, wires and the driveshaft centering pin when lowering.

Subframe with Attachments, Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the threads on the subframe threaded connection to the body.

The subframe bolts on the body must not be loosened or tightened with an impact wrench.
Always install all bolts by hand for the first few turns.

-- Tighten the threaded connections in the curb weight position. Refer to WHEEL BEARING IN CURB WEIGHT POSITION, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING .

On vehicles with electronic damping (Audi magnetic ride), perform the "Readapt control position" function using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

-- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

-- Select Diagnostic operating mode and Start diagnostics .

-- Select the Select individual test tab and select the following tree structure consecutively:

Chassis
Wheel Damping Electronics
01 - OBD-capable systems .
14 - Electronic Damping Control Module -J250
14 - Electronic Damping Control Module, functions
14 - Readapt Control Position

If the control position was reprogrammed on a vehicle with lane assist, then the driver assistance systems front camera must be calibrated. Refer to DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS FRONT CAMERA, CALIBRATING .
For vehicles with a level control system sensor, perform a headlamp basic setting. Refer to HEADLAMP, ADJUSTING .

-- Evaluate if an axle alignment is needed. Refer to NEED FOR AXLE ALIGNMENT, EVALUATING .

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME, AWD VEHICLES
Refer to OVERVIEW - TRAILING ARM
Refer to OVERVIEW - SUSPENSION STRUT, SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING
Refer to OVERVIEW - SUSPENSION STRUT, SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING
Refer to the appropriate Service Information
Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR BRAKES .
Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER [CNTC, CYFB] or OVERVIEW - MUFFLER [DAZA, DNWA] .
Refer to UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES