Lowering rear axle, multi-link suspension, front-wheel drive

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• attachment tool - 3301-
• attachment tool - 3346-
• Torque wrenches - V.A.G 1332-
• Engine/gearbox jack - V.A.G 1383 A-

Lower subframe with attachments.

• Remove rear wheels.
• Unbolt brake calipers on both sides of vehicle and suspend from body.
• Remove the coil springs.
• Remove rear silencer for exhaust system.

Vehicles with vehicle level senders

• Unplug the electrical connector -1-.

Continuation for all models:

• Unplug electrical connector -1- from ABS speed sensor on both sides and move clear.
• Disconnect the electrical connector -2-right and left of the engine of the electromechanical parking brake on the brake caliper.
• Detach electrical wiring harness from retainers -arrows- and move clear.

• Pull out retaining clip -1- on both sides of vehicle.
• Move brake line clear of retainer.

Note Do not open brake line.

• Use tensioning straps - T10038- to strap vehicle to support beams of lifting platform on both sides.

• Fix subframe at both forward bolts.
• Unscrew rear right bolt of subframe -arrow-.

• Screw spindle - 3346/2- into thread of longitudinal member using thrust piece of assembly tool - 3301- and nut - 3346/3- .

1. -3346/2- Spindle
2. Sub-frame
3. Thrust piece from assembly tool - 3301-
4. Nut -3346/3-

• Unscrew rear left bolt of subframe.
• Turn nut -3346/3- on spindle -3346/2- until subframe is lowered by -a- = 40 mm.

Installing subframe with attachments

Carry out installation in the reverse sequence, noting the following:

Specified torques

• Exhaust pipes double clamp.

• On vehicles with vehicle level sender, carry out basic settings for wheel damper electronics
• On vehicles with vehicle level sender, carry out basic adjustment of headlights

Lowering rear axle, multi-link suspension, four-wheel drive

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque wrenches - V.A.G 1332-

• Engine/gearbox jack - V.A.G 1383 A-

Lower subframe with attachments.

• Remove rear wheels.
• Unbolt brake calipers on both sides of vehicle and suspend from body.
• Remove the coil springs .
• Remove rear silencer for exhaust system.

Vehicles with vehicle level senders

• Disconnect connector -1- from vehicle level sender -2-.

Continuation for all models:

• Unplug electrical connector -1- from ABS speed sensor on both sides and move clear.
• Disconnect the electrical connector -2-right and left of the engine of the electromechanical parking brake on the brake caliper.
• Detach electrical wiring harness from retainers -arrows- and move clear.

• Pull out retaining clip -1- on both sides of vehicle.
• Move brake line clear of retainer.

Note Do not open brake line.

• Detach propshaft from rear final drive and secure.
• Use tensioning straps - T10038- to strap vehicle to support beams of lifting platform on both sides.

• Locate subframe in position.
• Lower subframe with attachments about 20 mm.
• Separate connector on Haldex coupling above final drive.
• Unclip brake line -1- from clip -arrow- on left side.

Note The clip will be destroyed and must be renewed.

• Lower subframe with attachments about 140 m

Installing subframe with attachments

Carry out installation in the reverse sequence, noting the following:

Specified torques

• Exhaust pipes double clamp.
• Propshaft.

• On vehicles with vehicle level sender, carry out basic settings for wheel damper electronics - Vehicle diagnostic tester.
• On vehicles with vehicle level sender, carry out basic adjustment of headlights.

• When does wheel alignment have to be checked?