Axle Beam Trailing Arm (Torsion Beam), Checking With VW801

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NOTE:

A traditional test of the rear axle as per the visual inspection/suspension measurement is not productive here. In order to get a clear finding for the torsion beam trailing arm, the following inspection instructions must be performed.

The test sequence is described for the left rear trailing arm. The test sequence for the right rear trailing arm is identical.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801
Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371

Test Sequence

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the left rear wheel.

NOTE:

Do not use pointed or sharp tools to clean - there is a risk of corrosion.

-- Thoroughly clean the contact surfaces -1- for the Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 on the trailing arm.

Fig 1: Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801

GWWM44-10013

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Place the Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 -1- on the trailing arm -2-.

Fig 2: Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801

GWWM44-10014

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The rivet for the parking brake cable bracket must fit into the hole -arrow A- on the Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 -1-.
The Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 -1- must be placed under the parking brake cable bracket -B arrows-.

-- The Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 -1- must lie on the bottom of the trailing arm -2- in direction of -arrows-.

Fig 3: Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801

GWWM44-10015

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- The distance measurement between the Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 and the trailing arm must only take place on the surface -1- of the test area -2-.

Fig 4: Measuring Square VAS241001 And Trailing Arm

GWWM44-10025

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Adjust the Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371 -3- to a thickness of 2.25 mm (blue and white plates together).

Fig 5: Adjusting Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371

GWWM44-10022

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Measure the distance between the trailing arm -2- and the Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 -1- with the Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371 -3- in the test area.

Measures Distance -a- Between the Crankshaft Holding Fixture VW801 -1- and the Trailing Arm -2- is Larger than 2.25 mm:

Fig 6: Measuring Square VAS241001 And Trailing Arm

GWWM44-10021

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The permitted tolerance range is exceeded. The axle beam must be replaced. Refer to AXLE BEAM .

Measures Distance -a- Between the Measuring Square VAS241001 -1- and the Trailing Arm -2- is Smaller than 2.25 mm:

The permitted tolerance range has not been exceeded. The trailing arm on the axle beam is OK.

-- Repeat the test sequence for the right rear trailing arm.

-- Install wheels and tighten. Refer to WHEEL BOLT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS .