Lower Rear Axle, AWD

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. 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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Torque Wrench, 40-200Nm:VAG1332A

Fig 2: Identifying Torque Wrench 1332
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Lower the Subframe with Attachments.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

-- Remove the brake calipers on both sides of the vehicle and hang on the body.

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

-- Remove the rear muffler from the exhaust system. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 2.0L , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 3.6L .

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

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

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

-- Remove and free up the wiring harness from the retainer -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 :T10038 .

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Tensioning Strap:T10038

WARNING:

The vehicle could slide off the hoist if it is not secured.

-- 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 .

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

-- Disconnect the connector from the all wheel drive clutch above the final drive.

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

Fig 3: 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 reverse order of removal.

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME
Wheel Bolts. Refer to the appropriate Service Information .
Double clamp for exhaust pipes. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 2.0L , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 3.6L .
Driveshaft. Refer to OVERVIEW - DRIVESHAFT .

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

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