Rear Axle, Removing And Installing, 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.

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Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench, 6-50Nm:VAG1331A
Tensioning Strap:T10038
Engine and Gearbox Jack:VAS6931 or Engine and Gearbox Jack:VAG1383A

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench, 40-200Nm:VAG1332A

Fig 1: Identifying Torque Wrench 1332
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Rear Axle, Removing

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

-- 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-.

Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor

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-- 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.

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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 .

-- 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 - 2.0L , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 3.6L .

-- 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.

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

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

Fig 2: Tighten The Bolts -arrows-

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

-- Remove the screws -arrows-.

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

-- Disconnect the connector from the all wheel drive 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-.

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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.

-- Carefully lower subframe with components.

NOTE:

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

Subframe with Attachments, Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME
Refer to OVERVIEW - TRAILING ARM
Refer to OVERVIEW - SUSPENSION STRUT, SHOCK ABSORBER, SPRING
Refer to OVERVIEW - REAR LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM SENSOR
Wheel Bolts. Refer to the appropriate Service Information .
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 - 2.0L , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 3.6L .

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 .