SUBFRAME, Securing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm: VAG1331
Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm: VAG1332
Engine and Gearbox Jack: VAS6931
Gearbox Support: T40173
Locating Pins: T40329
Hand drill
8.5 mm diameter drill

Gearbox Support: T40173 , Preparing

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-- Remove the mounting elements -1- from the : T40173 .

-- Rotate the mounting bracket -2- and drill an 8.5 mm diameter hole -arrow-.

-- Secure the mounting bracket with the bolts and move it to the side.

TIP:

The mounting elements are mounted on the : T40173 later.

Procedure

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

-- Remove the left and right underbody trim panels. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .

-- Loosen the left and right rear wheel housing liner in the rear area and push slightly to the side. Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR WHEEL HOUSING LINER .

-- Exhaust system without separating point: remove the muffler. Refer to MUFFLER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Exhaust system with separating point: remove the exhaust pipe. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER .

-- Versions with air suspension: perform the system bleeding. Refer to AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FILLING AND BLEEDING .

-- Remove the left and right spring. Refer to SPRING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Angle the : T40173 with the adjusting bolt toward the rear -arrow-.

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-- Support the subframe with the : VAS6931 and the : T40173 on the rear final drive as shown.

-- Remove the diagonal braces. Refer to DIAGONAL BRACES, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Tighten the locating pins of the left and right : T40329 in the front bonded rubber bushing to 20 Nm.

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-- Mount the prepared mounting element -1- to the threaded hole -2- on the : T40173 as shown.

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-- Angle the : T40173 with the adjusting bolt toward the front until the rear mounting bracket contacts the subframe.

-- Compensate the height several times with the : VAS6931 .

-- Secure the subframe with the tensioning strap of the engine and gearbox jack.

CAUTION:

Improper Handling Increases the Risk of Damaging the Threads in the Vehicle Body.

- Never use an impact wrench to loosen or tighten.

- Position the bolts by hand only and screw in the first threads.

-- Remove the bolts -arrow- on the left and right one after the other. Install a locating pin from the : T40329 .

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-- Tighten locating pin to 20 Nm.

The subframe position is now secured.

Remove the : T40329 .

Removal is performed in the reverse order. Note the following:

-- Only remove a locating pin in a diagonal sequence. Install and tighten a new bolt in this location.

CAUTION:

Improper Handling Increases the Risk of Damaging the Threads in the Vehicle Body.

- Never use an impact wrench to loosen or tighten.

- Position the bolts by hand only and screw in the first threads.

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

CAUTION:

There Is a Risk of Accident Due to Threaded Connections That Are Not Tightened Correctly.

- Tighten threaded connections correctly before driving on public roads.

-- A road test must be performed after completing repairs. If steering wheel is crooked, the wheels must be aligned. Refer to AXLE ALIGNMENT .

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME
Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY CROSSMEMBERS .
Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER .
Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR WHEEL HOUSING LINER .
Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .
Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES