Necessary preliminary tasks

• Remove both REAR COIL SPRINGS 
• If necessary, remove tension strut (s)

Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

Fig 1: Locating Clutch Pedal Support

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Position an oil sump underneath to catch brake fluid.

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation: 

Make sure brake hoses are laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque 12 Nm.

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Hoses With Banjo Bolts

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Unclip cables for pulse generator and ride-height sensor/brake pad sensor on rear axle carrier at side.

Slacken nut (1).

Turn bracket (2) for exhaust system towards rear.

Release sheet nut and bolts (arrows).

Place heat shield on exhaust system.

Fig 3: Identifying Bracket And Nut

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If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 33 4 491 and 33 4 492 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040.

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools

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Align special tools 33 4 491 and 33 4 492 to rear axle carrier.

Support rear axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools (33 4 491 And 33 4 492) On Rear Axle Carrier

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Remove COMPRESSION STRUTS  (1).

Release screws (2) and swivel/remove stop plates to one side.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation: 

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

First install COMPRESSION STRUTS  (1) and then tighten down screws (2).

Tightening torque 33 33 1AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Axle Carrier Compression Strut With Screws

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