Lower Rear Axle, AWD

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Tensioning Strap:T10038

Fig 1: Identifying Tensioning Strap T10038
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Lower the Subframe with Attachments.

The following information describes the removing and installing on the left side of the vehicle as an example.

The Left Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor -G46- and Right Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor -G44- will be called rear speed sensor in the information that follows.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

-- Remove the brake calipers on both sides of the vehicle and attach to the body. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the springs. Refer to SPRING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the rear muffler from the exhaust system. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER, PASSAT, ARTEON .

Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor

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-- Disconnect the connector -1- from the level control system sensor -2-.

Continuation for all vehicles

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-- Disconnect and free up the right and left connector -1- from the rear speed sensor.

-- Disconnect the right and left electromechanical parking brake connector -2- from the brake caliper.

-- Remove and free up the wiring harness from the retainers -arrows-.

-- Remove the clamps -1- on both sides of the vehicle.

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-- Free up the brake lines from the bracket.

NOTE:

Do not disconnect the brake line.

-- Remove the driveshaft from the rear final drive and secure. Refer to OVERVIEW - DRIVESHAFT .

-- Secure both sides of the vehicle on the hoist lifting arms using the Tensioning Straps:T10038 .

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Tensioning Strap:T10038

CAUTION:

Vehicle not tied down on the hoist.

Vehicle can slip off the hoist.

- Secure the vehicle as described in the procedure on the hoist.

-- If equipped, remove the underbody trim panel on the trailing arm mounting bracket. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .

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

-- Carefully lower the subframe with its attachments approximately 20 mm.

-- Disconnect the connector from the BorgWarner clutch above the final drive.

-- Unclip the brake line -1- from the clip -arrow- on the left side.

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Line -1- And Clip -Arrow- On Left Side

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NOTE:

This will destroy the clip, so it will have to be replaced.

-- Carefully lower the subframe with its components approximately 140 mm.

Subframe with Attachments, Installing

Install in the reverse order of removal while noting the following:

-- For vehicles with a level control system sensor, perform the basic setting using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME, MULTI-LINK SUSPENSION, AWD
Wheel Bolts. Refer to WHEEL BOLTS TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION .
Double clamp for exhaust pipes. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER, PASSAT, ARTEON .
Driveshaft. Refer to OVERVIEW - DRIVESHAFT .

-- Evaluate if an axle alignment is needed. Refer to NEED FOR AXLE ALIGNMENT, EVALUATING .