Rear Axle, Removing And Installing, 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.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Tensioning Strap:T10038
Engine and Gearbox Jack:VAS 6931

Removing the Subframe and its 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.

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- 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-.

Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

-- Remove the bolts -2-.

-- Remove the Left Rear Level Control System Sensor -G76- -3- from the transverse link.

Continuation for all vehicles

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

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- 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 .

-- Remove the left and right brake caliper and with the brake lines attached secure to the body. Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR BRAKES .

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

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

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

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.

-- Secure the subframe. Refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING, FWD, EXCLUDING PASSAT GTE .

-- Unclip and free up the wire -2- on the mounting bracket -1-.

Fig 1: Tighten The Bolts -arrows-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Mark the installation position of the mounting bracket -1- on the body.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows-.

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

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

-- Carefully lower the subframe with its attachments an additional 30 mm.

NOTE:

When lowering, make sure there is enough clearance between the brake lines, wires and centering pins to the driveshaft.

-- Remove the brake line on both sides from the clips -arrows-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

The clips will get damaged while doing this and will have to be replaced.

For better illustration, the subframe is shown from above and is removed.

The number of clips may vary.

Make sure there is enough clearance for brake lines, wires and the driveshaft centering pin when lowering.

-- Carefully lower subframe with components.

Subframe with Attachments, Installing

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

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

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME, MULTI-LINK SUSPENSION, AWD
Refer to OVERVIEW - TRAILING ARM
Refer to OVERVIEW - SUSPENSION STRUT, SHOCK ABSORBER, SPRING
Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM SENSOR, MULTI-LINK SUSPENSION, AWD
Wheel Bolts. Refer to WHEEL BOLTS TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION .
Driveshaft. Refer to OVERVIEW - DRIVESHAFT .
Bolts for brake caliper and brake rotor. Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR BRAKES .
Double clamp for exhaust pipes. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER, PASSAT, ARTEON .

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