SUBFRAME Overview

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:

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.

Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Therefore, the threaded connections of the components with bonded rubber bushings should only be tightened when the wheel bearing housing is lifted (curb weight position). Refer to WHEEL BEARING IN CURB WEIGHT, FRONT AXLE WITH COIL SPRING .

Fig 1: Identifying Subframe Overview

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Stabilizer Bar
- There are different versions.
- Removing and Installing. Refer to STABILIZER BAR .
Nut
- 65 Nm
Coupling Rod
- Linking the stabilizer bar to the suspension strut.
Nut
Backing Plate
- Always replace if removed.
- Installed position. Refer to Fig 2.
Subframe
- Securing. Refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING .
- Removing and installing without steering gear. Refer to SUBFRAME, WITHOUT STEERING GEAR .
- Removing and installing with hydraulic steering gear. Refer to SUBFRAME AND STEERING GEAR, HYDRAULIC STEERING GEAR .
- Removing and installing with electro-mechanical steering gear. Refer to SUBFRAME AND STEERING GEAR, ELECTRO-MECHANICAL STEERING GEAR .
- Servicing. Refer to SUBFRAME, SERVICING .
Subframe Brace
- For Convertible only.
- Removing and Installing. Refer to SUBFRAME BRACE .
Bolt
- 70 Nm + 180° turn
- Replace after removal
Bolt
- 70 Nm + 180° turn
- Replace after removal.
Bolt
- 70 Nm + 180° turn
- Replace after removal.
Bolt
- 20 Nm + 90 turn
- Replace after removal.
Control Arm
- Replace with ball joint if damaged.
- Removing and Installing. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM, BASIS .
- Removing and installing (left side of the vehicle with a DSG transmission or automatic transmission). Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM, ON LEFT SIDE, VEHICLES WITH DSG OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .
Bolt
- 70 Nm + 180° turn
- Replace after removal.
Bolt
- 70 Nm 180° turn
- Replace after removal.
Bolt
- Refer to FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS .
Lower Bonded Rubber Bushing for Pendulum Support
- Removing and Installing. Refer to SUBFRAME, SERVICING .
Bolt
- Refer to FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS .
Bolt
- Refer to FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS .
Upper Bonded Rubber Bushing for Pendulum Support
- Removing and Installing. Refer to SUBFRAME, SERVICING .
Pendulum Support
- Bolt first to transmission, then to subframe.
- There are different versions.

Fig 2: Identifying Intermediate Plate Installed Position

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Insert the long side of the intermediate plate -1- so that it is perpendicular to direction of travel. The tabs -arrows- lock into the subframe -2-.