SUBFRAME, Servicing

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.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Front Subframe Mount Kit3372
Press PlateVW401
Press PlateVW402
Press Piece - RodVW407
Assembly ToolT10214
Assembly ToolT10301
Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446

Pressing out the Bonded Rubber Mount

-- Remove the subframe. Refer to SUBFRAME, WITHOUT STEERING GEAR .

-- Loosen the bolts on the InsertT10446/1 -A-.

Fig 1: Identifying Subframe Mount Assembly Tool

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Attach Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446 -3- to subframe.

-- Attach the Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446 to the subframe with the mounting pins and knurled nuts.

Press Piece - RodVW407
Thrust Piece3372/1
Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446
TubeT10301/3
Press PlateVW401
Press PlateVW402

NOTE:

Make sure the InsertT10446/1 -A- fit correctly in the openings in the bonded rubber bushings.

-- Tighten the bolts on the InsertT10446/1 -A-.

-- Press out both bonded rubber bushings at the same time as depicted in the illustration below.

NOTE:

The flat side of the Thrust Piece3372/1 must face the InsertT10446/1 -A- in the Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446 otherwise the insert will get damaged.

The TubeT10301/3 must touch the Press PlateVW401 and the Press PlateVW402.

The rib on the TubeT10301/3 must be between the Press PlateVW401 and the Press PlateVW402.

Installing the Bonded Rubber Bushing

-- Bolt both bonded rubber bushings with original bolt, cutouts -arrows- must align when doing this.

Fig 2: Both Bonded Rubber Bushings Bolted Onto Original Bolt

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Insert bolted bonded rubber bushings, with bolt head downward, into large diameter of TubeT10214/2.

Fig 3: Bolted Bonded Rubber Bushings Placed Into Larger Diameter Of Tube T10214/2 With Bolt Head Facing Downward

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Press Piece - Bushing - 50mm DiameterVW432
Thrust PieceT10214/3 without bolts
Bonded Rubber Bushing
TubeT10214/2
TubeT10214/1
Press PlateVW401

-- Install the bonded rubber bushing -1- until it reaches dimension -a-.

Fig 4: Bonded Rubber Bushing Pressed In

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-a- = 2to3mm.

-- Align TubeT10214/2 on subframe with pressed in bonded rubber bushings.

Fig 5: Identifying Installation Orientation Of V Version Of Bonded Rubber Bushing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

The corners on the inner core of the bonded rubber bushing -arrows- must face away from the Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446 -1-.

The corners on the inner core of the bonded rubber bushing -arrows- must lie parallel with the edge of the Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446 -1-.

Distance -a- must be identical at left and right to guarantee parallelism.

-- Mount the subframe on the TubeT10446/2 -5-.

Fig 6: Identifying Subframe Mount Assembly Tool

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Press Piece - RodVW407
Thrust PieceT10214/3
TubeT10214/2
Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446
TubeT10446/2
Press PlateVW401

-- Install the bonded rubber bushing on the stop.

-- Remove Subframe Mount Assembly ToolT10446 from subframe and check seating of the pressed in bonded rubber bushing.

The outer diameter -1- of both bonded rubber bushings must project up to 2 mm beyond edge in area of opening for pendulum support.

Fig 7: Identifying Outer Diameter Of Both Bonded Rubber Bushings And Pendulum Support Opening
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
Cutouts of bonded rubber bushings must lie at center in opening of subframe.
Gap -arrow- between bonded rubber bushings is permissible.

-- Install subframe. Refer to Installing .