SUBFRAME, Lowering: Removing
-- Turn the steering wheel in the straight position.
Vehicles with Mechanical Ignition Lock
-- Remove the ignition key so that the steering wheel lock engages.
Vehicles with Electronic Ignition Lock
-- Switch the ignition off and open the driver door so the steering wheel lock engages.
-- Disconnect the battery. Refer to BATTERY, DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING .
Continuation for All Vehicles
-- Remove the driver side instrument panel cover. Refer to DRIVER SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
-- Fold back the carpet.
-- Remove the bolt -1- from the universal joint -2-. Then remove the universal joint in direction of -arrow-.
If the universal joint is separated from the steering gear, the following work cannot be performed:
- Connecting the battery
- Switching on the ignition
- Turning the steering gear
- Turning the steering column.
These points must be observed since performing these actions could cause irreparable damage.
-- Remove the lower noise insulation. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .
-- If equipped, remove the center underbody trim panel. Refer to UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
-- Remove the exhaust system bracket from the subframe -arrows-.
-- Remove the pendulum support bolts -1-.
-- Remove the hex nut -1- from the right and left coupling rod -3-.
-- Remove the coupling rod -3- from the stabilizer bar -2- on the left and right sides.
Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor
-- Disconnect the connector -1- from the Left Front Level Control System Sensor -G78- or Right Front Level Control Sensor -G289-.
Continuation for All Vehicles
-- Place the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A -1- under the subframe.
-- Secure the subframe (refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING ) and lower it approximately 10 cm.
Be careful not to overstretch the wire for the steering and the Oil Level Thermal Sensor -G266-.