SUBFRAME, Removing And Installing: Removing

If the drive axle/stub shaft threaded connection on the wheel hub is loosened to perform work, this must take place when the vehicle is standing on wheels. Loosen the drive axle threaded connection. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

• Vehicles with active suspension: pay attention to the safety precautions. Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING ON VEHICLES WITH ACTIVE SUSPENSION .

-- Versions with coil springs: determine the curb weight position. Refer to WHEEL BEARING IN CURB WEIGHT POSITION, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING .

-- Versions with air suspension: determine the standard vehicle height. Refer to WHEEL BEARING AT STANDARD VEHICLE HEIGHT, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION .

Equipment versions with Sway Stabilization:

-- De-energize the 48 Volt system. Refer to BATTERY, DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING .

-- Turn off the ignition and all electrical equipment.

-- Move the ignition key outside of the vehicle to prevent the ignition from switching on unintentionally.

Continuation for All Vehicles:

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

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

-- Remove the driveshaft from the rear final drive and tie it up. Refer to DRIVESHAFT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Disconnect the left and right connector -arrow- for the rear level control system sensor. Free up the wire.

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Disconnect the left and right connector -1- for the speed sensor.

Fig 1: Identifying The ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Connector

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Equipped on some models: disconnect the left and right connector -1-.

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- on the upper shock absorber fastener.

Equipment versions with Sway Stabilization:

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Disconnect the connectors -arrows- from the Sway Stabilization Control Module 2 -J1096- and free up from the subframe.

Versions with Rear Axle Steering:

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Loosen the nut -3- several turns.

-- Disconnect the connector -4- for the Rear Axle Steering Control Module -J1019-.

-- Disconnect the connector -2- for the Rear Axle Steering Control Module -J1019- and the tire pressure monitoring antenna.

-- Free up the wiring harness from the subframe.

Versions with Rear Axle Steering and Sway Stabilization:

-- Remove the nut -1- and free up the ground wires from the subframe.

Continuation for All Vehicles:

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the left and right bolt -1- and free up the bracket -2- with the wires.

Versions with Air Suspension:

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the nuts -arrows-, and remove the cover -1- for the air supply unit.

-- Remove the air lines -1 and 2- with the rear air springs.

Courtesy of AUDI

Continuation for All Vehicles:

-- Carefully lower the subframe.