Removing Lower Trailing Arm: Notes

→ Wear personal protective gear.

→ Do not raise the wheel suspension higher than the normal vehicle position (vehicle resting on wheels).

Fig 1: Identifying Lower Trailing Arm

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1. On all-wheel drive vehicles, use a protective tube (shop-made) -1-  for the drive shafts.
   Fig 2: Identifying Protective Tube

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   Information 

   Secure upper trailing arm with the spring compressor VW 552  (pre-tension slightly). This must be done immediately before loosening the spring strut from the lower trailing arm. This prevents damage to the ball joint on the upper trailing arm as a result of the weight of the wheel bearing housing.

   • Secure spring compressor VW 552 at the top. → Securing spring compressor on front axle, top 
     Fig 3: Securing Spring Compressor On Front Axle (Top)

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   • Secure spring compressor VW 552 at the bottom. → Securing spring compressor on front axle, bottom 
     Fig 4: Securing Spring Compressor On Front Axle (Bottom)

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2. Remove fastening screw for lower spring strut.
   1. 2.1. Remove fastening screw for the lower spring strut -arrows-  .
      Fig 5: Locating Lower Spring-Strut Mount

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   2. 2.2. To do this, use a suitable lift -lift with rubber base-  (to prevent slipping) to raise the wheel carrier so that the screw can be unscrewed easily. (Secure spring compressor VW 552  to prevent it from falling down!).
      Fig 6: Raising Wheel Carrier

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3. Loosen lock nut from the lower ball joint and press off using the ball joint puller T10187  .

   When doing this, leave lock nut flush on the ball pin so as not to damage thread. → Loosening lower trailing arm 

   Fig 7: Loosening Lower Trailing Arm

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4. Mark eccentric screws for adjusting camber and caster on the chassis subframe (facilitates fitting during re-installation).
   Fig 8: Identifying Marking On Eccentric Screws

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5. Loosen eccentric screws -1-  . Make sure not to damage the steering boot while doing this.
6. Pull (press) trailing arm out of the chassis subframe mountings. -arrow- 
   Fig 9: Locating Eccentric Screws For Lower Trailing Arm

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7. Loosen the lock nut from the lower trailing arm and tilt the trailing arm down fully.
8. Carefully remove the ball joint from the wheel carrier.
9. If you do not intend to use the trailing arm again, the air guide -1-  must be converted.
   Fig 10: Identifying Air Guide On Lower Trailing Arm

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