Removing and installing complete rear axle support (FWD)

Special tools required: 

• 31 5 251
• 00 2 030
• 31 5 255
• 31 5 253

Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the vehicle hoist and critically injuring other persons.

Load the trunk with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support. This prevents the vehicle from tilting or sliding off the vehicle hoist!

When supporting components, make sure that:

• the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered.
• the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.

Attention! 

Before lowering/removing rear axle support:

Observe SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for raising the vehicle.

In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Preliminary work needed: 

• Remove rear WHEELS .
• Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Remove TANK COVER on left and right.
• Remove both rear COIL SPRINGS .

Removal: 

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

This prevents brake fluid from emerging from the expansion tank and air from entering the system when the brake lines are opened.

Remove heat shield (1).

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Unlock and disconnect the connector (1).

Release cable (3) from cable clip (2).

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Only for rear ride height sensor:

Disconnect connector (1).

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Release hollow nut (2).

Disconnect brake hose (1) on left and right from the brake line.

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Disconnect left and right plug connections (1) of the pulse sensor.

• To do so, partly release the wheel arch panels.

Disengage cable from holders (2).

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Right side only:

Detach the brake pad wear sensor from the holders (2) as an additional measure.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

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Support rear axle support (1) with workshop jack (2).

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Release screws (1) from rear axle support (2).

Lower rear axle support.

Lower workshop jack and place to one side.

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Insert special tool 31 5 251 with the helper fully onto the universal jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in the telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

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Align special tools 31 5 251,; and 31 5 255 with axle support.

Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030

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Secure the trailing arm (rear axle support special tool 31 5 251 and 31 5 253 using luggage straps

Release left and right shock absorber (2) from trailing arm by unscrewing screw (1).

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Release screws (2) on left and right trailing arm bearing support (1) on the body.

Lower rear axle support.

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Installation: 

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Position rear axle support on vehicle.

Tighten screws (2) on left and right trailing arm bearing support (1).

Replace screws.

Tightening torque 33 32 5AZ .

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Position left and right shock absorber (2) on trailing arm.

Tighten screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ .

Release luggage straps.

Lower the universal jack 00 2 030 with special tool 31 5 251 and put it aside.

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Lift rear axle support (1) by means of workshop jack (2).

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Tighten screws (1) on rear axle support (2).

Tightening torque 33 31 1AZ .

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Attach brake pad wear sensor in the holders (2).

Connect plug connection (1).

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Attach brake pad wear sensor in the holders (2).

Connect plug connection (1).

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Align brake hose (1).

Tighten down hollow nut (2).

Tightening torque, 34 32 1AZ .

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Only for rear ride height sensor:

Insert connector (1) on ride height sensor.

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Insert connector (1) and lock.

Secure cable (3) with cable clip (2).

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Install heat shield (1).

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Release pedal support.

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Required follow-up work: 

• Install both rear COIL SPRINGS .
• Install TANK COVER on left and right.
• Install EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Install rear WHEELS .
• Vent BRAKE SYSTEM .
• Perform either KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KINEMATICS DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOADING THE VEHICLE .