SUBFRAME, Lowering

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm:VAG1332

Procedure

Fig 1: Taping Steering Wheel

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-- Turn the steering wheel in the straight position.

-- Switch the ignition off and open the driver door so the steering wheel lock engages.

-- Secure the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using adhesive tape -arrow- so that it does not turn.

NOTE:

Be sure to use tape that will not leave behind any residue when it is removed.

Be careful not to turn the steering wheel during the repair because the Airbag Spiral Spring/Return Spring with Slip Ring -F138- can become damaged.

-- Remove the nuts -arrows- and then the footwell trim panel.

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-- Remove the bolts -1- and remove the universal joint -2- from the steering gear in direction of -arrow-.

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-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the exhaust pipe bracket.

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-- Remove the bolts -1- for the pendulum support.

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-- Remove the left and right nut -1- from the coupling rod -3-. Refer to COUPLING ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

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-- Remove the coupling rod -3- from the stabilizer bar -2- on the left and right sides.

Applies to Vehicles with a Level Control System Sensor

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-- Disconnect the left and right connector -1- from the front level control system sensor.

Applies to Vehicles with TDI Engine

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-- Disconnect the connector -arrow- from the Heater Support Pump -V488-.

Applies to All

Fig 2: Identifying Connector From Oil Level Thermal Sensor

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-- Disconnect the connector for the Oil Level Thermal Sensor -G266- -arrow- and free up the wire from the subframe.

NOTE:

There are different versions depending on the engine.

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

-- Slightly lower the subframe with the :VAS6931 -1-.

Fig 3: Identifying Engine/Gearbox Jack

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NOTE:

Be careful not to overstretch the wire for the steering and the Oil Level Thermal Sensor -G266-.

-- Free up the cable guide from the subframe by removing the expanding clip -arrow-.

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-- Unclip the cable holders -arrows- from the steering gear.

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-- Unclip all other cable clips on the steering gear.

-- Disconnect the connectors -1 and 2- from the steering gear.

-- Lower the subframe a maximum of 100 mm.

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Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

NOTE:

Coat the seal on the steering gear with lubricant such as soft soap before installing the steering gear.

After placing steering gear onto universal joint, make sure that seal -item- 13 on steering gear makes contact on assembly plate without kinks and opening to footwell is correctly sealed. Ingress of water and/or noises may be the result.

Make sure sealing surfaces are clean.

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.

-- Remove the :T10486/1 . Refer to , Removing .

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

Tightening Specifications