Subframe
Subframe
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• The following tools can be used on all engine versions.
• Engine Support Bridge (10-222 A)
• Engine support supplement set (T40093) , needed depending on the engine.
• Engine-/Gearbox Jack (V.A.G 1383 A)
• Wheel Hub Support (T10149)
• Tensioning Strap (T10038)
Removing
- Remove the wheels.
- Remove the left and right wheel housing liner.
- Remove noise insulation.
- Remove the crossbrace. Refer to => [ Subframe Crossbrace ] Service and Repair.
- Remove the right and left subframe shield if applicable. Refer to => [ Subframe Heat Shield ] Subframe Heat Shield.
- Remove the stabilizer bar. Refer to => [ Stabilizer Bar ] Stabilizer Bar.
- Remove the vehicle level sensor, if applicable. Refer to => [ Level Control System Sensor ] Level Control System Sensor.
- Secure the left and right wheel housing liner using a (T10038) as shown in the illustration.
- Remove the left and right control arms. Refer to => [ Control Arm ] Control Arm.
- Steering gear, removing. Refer to => [ Hydraulic Power Steering Gear ] Hydraulic Power Steering Gear.
- Steering gear, removing. Refer to => [ Electro-Mechanical Steering Gear ] Electro-Mechanical Steering Gear.
- Support the engine entirely using the (10-222 A).
• Engine support bridge (10-222 A)
• Engine support supplement set (T40093) , needed depending on the engine.
- Remove the bolts - 1 - and nuts - 3 - and the longitudinal braces - 2 -.
- Remove the bolt - 1 -.
- Move the guide link and secure it to the body with wire.
- On vehicles with electrohydraulic engine mounts, disconnect the left electrohydraulic engine mount solenoid valve (N144) and right electrohydraulic engine mount solenoid valve (N145) connector - arrow -.
- Depending on the engine version, remove the nut - 2 - for the electrical wiring bracket on the right side of the vehicle.
- Remove the bolt - arrow - (if equipped) from the bracket for the power steering line.
- Remove the left and right engine mount bolts - 1 and 5 -.
- Move the left and right engine mount retaining plate - 2 - to the side.
- Before lowering the subframe, make sure all the electrical wiring connections have been disconnected and removed.
• Mark the installation location of the subframe - A to D -, for example, using a felt-tip pen.
- Remove the bolts - 1 through 8 - and remove the subframe.
Installing
Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:
Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Subframe, Crossbrace, Stabilizer Bar, Coupling Rod and Subframe Shield Overview ] Subframe, Crossbrace, Stabilizer Bar, Coupling Rod and Subframe Shield Overview
Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Mounting Bracket, Shock Absorber Fork, Upper Control Arm and Tower Brace Overview ] Mounting Bracket, Shock Absorber Fork, Upper Control Arm and Tower Brace Overview
Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Track Control Arm, Ball Joint, Guide Link and Level Control System Sensor Overview ] Track Control Arm, Ball Joint, Guide Link and Level Control System Sensor Overview
Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Wheel Bearing Housing and Wheel Bearing Unit Overview ] Removal and Replacement
Subframe Bolting Procedure:
- Insert the subframe and align according to the markings - A and B - made earlier. Tighten bolts - 2 and 3 - to the specification.
- Press the subframe at the markings - C or D - and tighten the bolts - 5 and 8 - to the specification.
- Insert the bolts - 1, 4, 6 and 7 - and tighten to the specification.
- Tighten the bolts - 1 through 8 - with an additional turn.
• Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension bolts when vehicle is in curb weight or control position.
• Lifting wheel bearing to curb weight position, refer to => [ Wheel Bearing, with Coil Spring, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Procedures.
- On vehicles with automatic headlamp range control system, perform a basic setting on the headlamps.
- If the vehicle level sensor was removed and installed on a vehicle with electronically controlled damping or if the linkage was loosened, the control position must be reprogrammed. Refer to => [ Programming Control Position using ] Testing and Inspection. Vehicle diagnostic tester.
- If the control position was reprogrammed on vehicles with lane assist, the directional stabilization assistance control module (J759) must be recalibrated. Refer to => [ Calibration Procedure ] Calibration Procedure.
- Tighten the wheel.
- Axle alignment is required, see table, refer to => [ When Vehicle Alignment is Necessary ] Description and Operation.