SUBFRAME, Stabilizer Bar And Control Arm Assembly Overview

CAUTION:

Welding and straightening work on supporting or wheel carrying components of the suspension is not permitted.
Always replace self-locking nuts.
Always replace corroded bolts/nuts.

Fig 1: Identifying Assembly Overview: Subframe, Stabilizer Bar, Control Arm, Rabbit/GTI, Golf Plus And Cross Golf

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Nut
- 65 Nm
- When tightening, counterhold on hex socket head of joint bolt.
- Self-locking
- Always replace if removed.
Coupling Rod
- Linking stabilizer to suspension strut.
Bracket
- Locating, refer to SUBFRAME AND CONSOLES, SECURING .
- If a console is replaced, alignment must be checked. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT .
Mounting Bracket
- Locating, refer to Figure.
- With bonded rubber bushing.
Bolt
- 50 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
Bolt
- M12 x 1.5 x 90
- 70 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
Bolt
- M12 x 1.5 x 90
- 70 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
Left Front Level Control System Sensor -G78-
- Can be tested in Guided Fault Finding using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
Bolt
- 9 Nm
Control Arm
- It is possible there are different control arm versions (steel, aluminum).
  NOTE:
  Do not install control arms made of different materials on the right and left sides.
- Replace with ball joint if damaged.
- Removing and Installing, refer to CONTROL ARM WITH MOUNTING BRACKET .
- Replace bearing. Refer to CONTROL ARM BONDED RUBBER BUSHING .
Control Arm
- It is possible there are different control arm versions (welded sheet steel, single sheet steel).
  NOTE:
  It is permissible to interchange control arms welded sheet steel, single sheet steel, from right to left.
- Replace with ball joint if damaged.
- Removing and installing, refer to CONTROL ARM WITH MOUNTING BRACKET .
- Replace bearing. Refer to CONTROL ARM BONDED RUBBER BUSHING .
Nut
- M12 x 1.5
- 60 Nm
- Self-locking
- Always replace if removed.
Ball Joint
- Checking, refer to BALL JOINT, CHECKING .
- Removing and installing, refer to BALL JOINT .
- Replace with control arm if damaged.
Nut
- Cast steel control arm: 60 Nm
- Steel and aluminum control arms: 100 Nm
- Self-locking
- Always replace if removed.
Nut
- 9 Nm
Bolt
- M12 x 1.5 x 100
- 70 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
Bolt
- 20 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
Bolt
- M12 x 1.5 x 75
- 70 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
Bolt
- M14 x 1.5 x 70
- 100 Nm + 90° turn
- Only tighten when pendulum support is bolted to transmission.
- Always replace if removed.
Underbody Protection Bracket
Bolt
Always pay attention the bolt size and strength class. There are different tightening specifications:
- M10 x 75 strength class 8.8: 40 Nm + 90° turn
- M10 x 75 strength class 10.9: 50 Nm + 90° turn
  CAUTION:
  From MY 2008, Heli-Coil inserts are installed in the threads for the pendulum support threaded connection in the 02Q manual transmissions.
  
  On these and all other transmissions, use strength class 10.9 bolts.
  
  If, in the 02Q manual transmissions, there is not Heli-Coil insert, then use 8.8 strength class bolts and the appropriate tightening specification.
- Always replace if removed.
Bolt
Pay attention to the bolt strength class. There are different tightening specifications:
- M10 x 35 strength class 8.8: 40 Nm + 90° turn
- M10 x 35 strength class 10.9: 50 Nm + 90° turn
  CAUTION:
  From MY 2008, Heli-Coil inserts are installed in the threads for the pendulum support threaded connection in the 02Q manual transmissions.
  
  On these and all other transmissions, use strength class 10.9 bolts.
  
  If, in the 02Q manual transmissions, there is not Heli-Coil insert, then use 8.8 strength class bolts and the appropriate tightening specification.
- Always replace if removed.
Bracket on Pendulum Support
- No replacement part.
Pendulum Support
- Bolt first to transmission, then to subframe.
- Various versions.
Lower Bonded Rubber Bushing for Pendulum Support
- Pressing out and in, refer to SUBFRAME BONDED RUBBER BUSHINGS .
- Various versions. Refer to Fig 2.
Shield
Bolt
- 6 Nm
- Self-tapping
Subframe
- Various versions.
- Removing and installing without steering gear, refer to SUBFRAME WITHOUT STEERING GEAR .
- Removing and installing with steering gear, refer to SUBFRAME WITH STEERING GEAR .
Upper Bonded Rubber Bushing for Pendulum Support
- Pressing out and in, refer to SUBFRAME BONDED RUBBER BUSHINGS .
- Various versions. Refer to Fig 2.
Bolt
- M12 x 1.5 x 110
- 70 Nm + 90° turn
- Always replace if removed.
- Tighten only in curb weight position. Refer to WHEEL BEARING, LIFTING TO CURB WEIGHT POSITION .
Nut
- 65 Nm
- When tightening, counterhold on hex socket head of joint bolt.
- Self-locking
- Always replace if removed.
Stabilizer Bar
- Various versions.
- Removing and installing, refer to STABILIZER BAR .

Fig 2: Identifying the Pendulum Support Bonded Rubber Bushing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

There are two different versions of the pendulum support bonded rubber bushing: the T version -I- and the V version -II-.

I - The corners on the inner core -1- face toward the opening for the pendulum support -arrow- (T version).

II - The corners on the inner core -2- face away from the opening for the pendulum support -arrow- (V version).