Rear Axle, Lowering

Special Tools And Workshop Equipment Required 

• Assembly Tool 3301
• Support Arm Bearing Installation Tool 3346
• Torque Wrench 40-200 Nm VAG 1332
• Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG 1383A

Lower the Subframe with Attachments.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

-- Remove the brake calipers on both sides of the vehicle and hang on the body.

-- Remove the coil springs. Refer to INSTALLING .

-- Remove the rear muffler. Refer to DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION , DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION , DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION , DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION or DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .

Vehicles with Left Rear Level Control System Sensor -G76- 

-- Disconnect the harness connector -1-.

Fig 1: Identifying Left Rear Level Control System Sensor

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Continuation for All Vehicles 

-- Unclip the speed sensor wire out of the bracket -1- -arrows-.

Fig 2: Identifying Hose Retainer

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-- Unclip the brake lines -1- from the bracket -arrow- on the left side of the body.

Fig 3: Identifying Brake Line Bracket

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-- Remove the clip -2- from the subframe -3- and loosen the brake hose from it.

-- Secure both sides of the vehicle on the hoist arms using Tensioning Strap T10038.

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Axle, Lifting To Curb Weight Position

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1. Tensioning Strap T10038

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

-- Remove the bolt from the back of the subframe on the right side -arrow-.

Fig 5: Identifying Bolt

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-- Install the Spindle 3346/2 with the Assembly Tool 3301 and Nut 3346/3 into the threaded hole in the longitudinal member.

Fig 6: Identifying Bearing Installer 3346/2 With Subframe Bushing Tool 3301 And Nut 3346/3

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1. Spindle 3346/2
2. Subframe
3. Assembly Tool 3301
4. Nut 3346/3

-- Remove the left rear bolt from the subframe.

-- Turn the Nut 3346/3 on the Spindle 3346/2 just enough to lower the subframe by -a- = 4 cm.

Subframe with Components, Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

-- Install the wheels. For the tightening specification. Refer to WHEEL BOLT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS .

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to SUBFRAME OVERVIEW .