SUBFRAME, Lowering

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm: VAG1331 
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm: VAG1332 
• 14 mm internal multi-point socket with corner extension, commercially available (for 3.0L TFSI engine)

Procedure 

• During installation, all cable ties must be installed at the same location.

Before starting work:

-- Versions with coil springs: determine the curb weight position. Refer to VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRINGS, CHECKING THE CURB WEIGHT POSITION FOR AXLE ALIGNMENT .

-- Versions with air suspension: determine the standard vehicle height. Refer to STANDARD VEHICLE HEIGHT FOR AXLE ALIGNMENT ON VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION, CHECKING .

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

-- Free up the wiring duct -4- on the right coolant pipe and on the subframe.

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-- Remove the nut -2- and bolt -3- and press the right coolant pipe back slightly on the subframe.

-- Equipped on some models: remove the bolts -arrows- and push the left coolant pipe to the side.

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-- Remove the end panel bolts -arrows-.

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-- Equipped on some models: remove the left and right bolt -1- for the support bearing.

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-- Free up the wiring harnesses on the bracket -arrow-.

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

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-- Versions with 3.0L TDI engine: remove the nuts -arrows- and free up the - N509-.

-- If required, free up the wiring harness and the SCR delivery line.

-- Remove the left and right nut -3- and the bolt -1- for the coupling rod -2-.

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

-- Remove the left and right drive axle from the transmission. Refer to DRIVE AXLE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Equipped on some models: disconnect the left and right connector -3- for the level control system sensor and free up the wire.

TIP:

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For vehicles with a 3.0L TFSI engine, use a 14 mm internal multi-point socket -1- with corner extension -2- to remove the left engine mount bolt.

-- Equipped on some models: free up the SCR delivery line -1- on the subframe.

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-- Remove the left and right bolt -2- and lower the subframe with the : VAS6931  .

• Make sure there is enough clearance for the wires when lowering the subframe.
• If required for other procedures, tie up the subframe to the body with : T10038  and remove the : VAS6931  .

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 - STABILIZER BAR 
• Refer to OVERVIEW - DRIVE AXLE 
• Refer to OVERVIEW - ASSEMBLY MOUNTS .
• Refer to OVERVIEW - COOLANT VALVES .
• Refer to OVERVIEW - COOLANT PIPES .