Axle Beam Trailing Arm (Torsion Beam), Checking With Vas241001

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Measuring Square VAS241001
Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371

Test Sequence

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

NOTE:

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

-- Thoroughly clean the contact surfaces -1- on both trailing arms.

Fig 1: Cleaning Contact Surfaces On Both Trailing Arms

GWWM44-10026

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The Outer Edge of the Measuring Square VAS241001 -arrow A- Must Be Placed to the Height of the Hole -arrow B-.

-- Place the Measuring Square VAS241001 -1- on the trailing arm -2- at the bottom.

Fig 2: Placing Measuring Square VAS241001 On Trailing Arm

GWWM44-10024

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- The Measuring Square VAS241001 -1- must lie against the bottom of the trailing arm -2- in direction of -arrows-.

Fig 3: Measuring Square VAS241001 Must Lie Against Bottom Of Trailing Arm

GWWM44-10027

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- The distance measurement between the Measuring Square VAS241001 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: Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371

GWWM44-10023

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Measure the distance between the trailing arm -2- and the Measuring Square VAS241001 -1- with the Gauge - Gap Adjustment 3371 -3- in the test area.

Measures distance -a- Between the Measuring Square VAS241001 -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 .