Rear Axle, Removing And Installing, Multi-Link Suspension Vehicles With AWD

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, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING .

NOTE:

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

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

-- 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-.

-- If equipped, disconnect the connector -2- for the Left and Right Rear Level Control System Sensor -- -1-.

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-- To prevent damage to the Left and Right Rear Level Control System Sensor, remove the bolts -lower arrows- on the linkage for the Left and Right Rear Level Control System Sensor -- -1-.

-- Free up the Left And Right Rear Level Control System Sensor -- wire from the subframe.

-- 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 left and right brake caliper and with the brake lines attached secure to the body. Refer to Overview - Rear Brakes .

-- If equipped, remove the underbody trim panels. Refer to UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Unclip and free up the wire -2- on the mounting 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-.

-- Check for a factory-applied marking (colored dot) on the joint washer and All Wheel Drive clutch flange -arrows-. If there is not one, mark the location of the joint washer and the All Wheel Drive clutch flange to each other -arrows-.

Fig 2: Aligning Markings On Driveshaft At Flange Of Haldex Clutch

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-- Remove the rear driveshaft tube with the flexible disc and vibration damper from the rear final drive -arrows-. Refer to the appropriate Service Information .

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

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-- Support the driveshaft -A- on the tunnel brace -1- with a wooden block and if necessary re-install the tunnel brace.

Fig 4: Guiding Driveshaft Upward And Support It In Position With Suitable Piece Of Wood On Tunnel Support

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

-- Disconnect the connector -B- on the AWD Control Module -J492- -A-.

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NOTE:

Ignore item -C-.

Subframe, Installing with Attachments:

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

-- Remove the Locating Pins: T10096 . Refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING .

On vehicles with level control system sensor if the coupling rod from the level control system sensor was removed of a level control system sensor was remove and reinstalled or replaced:

"Re-adapt control position". Refer to Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
On vehicles with lane assistance calibrate the driver assistance systems front camera. Refer to DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS FRONT CAMERA, CALIBRATING .
Evaluate the need for a basic setting of the headlamps. Refer to HEADLAMP, ADJUSTING .
Vehicles with adaptive cruise control, calibrate the adaptive cruise control. Refer to ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC), ADJUSTING .

-- Overview table for when an axle alignment is needed. Refer to EVALUATING NEED FOR AXLE ALIGNMENT .

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME, MULTI-LINK SUSPENSION, AWD VEHICLES
Refer to OVERVIEW - TRAILING ARM
Refer to OVERVIEW - SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING
Refer to REAR LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM SENSORS -G76- / -G77-
Refer to the appropriate Service Information .
Refer to Overview - Rear Brakes .
Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .
Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES