SUBFRAME, Lowering

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm: VAG1331 
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm: VAG1332 

Procedure 

-- Versions with coil springs: determine the curb weight position. Refer to WHEEL BEARING, LIFTING TO CURB WEIGHT POSITION, 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 Without Sway Stabilization: 

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-- Remove the screw -arrow- and free up the ground wire.

-- Remove the screw -2-.

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-- Disconnect the connector -3- and free up the wire.

Continuation for All Vehicles: 

-- Remove the screw -1-.

-- Release the catches -arrows- and free up the bracket -4- for the wires from the subframe.

TIP:

The illustration shows the installation position on a vehicle without the parking heater.

-- Free up the wire to the steering gear and to the stabilizer bar.

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

-- Remove the left and right front longitudinal member. Refer to OVERVIEW - LOCK CARRIER .

-- Disconnect the left and right connector -3- from the level control system sensor. Free up the wires.

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-- Disconnect the left and right connector -3- for the electrohydraulic engine mount solenoid valve.

-- Remove the connector -2- from the bracket and disconnect it.

-- Free up the wire.

-- Equipment versions with support bearing: remove the left and right bolt -1- for the support bearing.

Equipped on Some Models:

-- Disconnect the left and right connector -1- on the sensor with the assembly mounts actuator.

Equipment Versions with Side Transmission Mount:

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-- Remove the left and right bolts -arrows-.

Equipment Versions with Sway Stabilization:

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-- Remove the nut -arrow-. Free up the ground wire for the sway stabilization.

-- Remove the nut -1- and then remove the bolt -3-. Free up the bracket -2- with electrical wires.

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Continuation for All Vehicles:

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-- Remove the left and right bolts -arrow- for the subframe shield.

-- Remove the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear and then push together. Refer to STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the engine mount bolt -arrow- on the left and right side. If necessary, free up the wires on the longitudinal member to do this.

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-- Lower the subframe with the : VAS6931  .

• Make sure there is enough clearance for the wires when lowering the subframe.
• The drive axles must not contact the suspension struts.

Installing 

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

-- Remove the : T40327  . Refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING .

-- Install the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

• Bonded rubber bushings have a limited range of rotation. Only tighten the suspension bolts when the vehicle is in curb weight position or at standard vehicle height.

-- Lifting the wheel bearing in curb weight position. Refer to WHEEL BEARING, LIFTING TO CURB WEIGHT POSITION, VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING ) or at standard vehicle height. Refer to WHEEL BEARING AT STANDARD VEHICLE HEIGHT, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION ).

Tightening Specifications 

• Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME 
• Refer to OVERVIEW - IMPACT MEMBER
• Refer to OVERVIEW - FRONT WHEEL HOUSING LINER .
• Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES
• Ground Wire. Refer to the appropriate Wiring Diagram.