Audi A4: Subframe with Steering Gear, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm -VAG1331-
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
• Engine and Gearbox Jack -VAS6931-
• Ball Joint Splitter -VAS251805-, not illustrated
• Tensioning Strap -T10038-
• Puller - Ball Joint -T40043-
• Locating Pins -T40327-

  Caution

This procedure contains mandatory replaceable parts. Refer to component overview and parts catalog prior to starting procedure.

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Bolts - Subframe Crossbrace/Steering Gear to Subframe
• Nut - Coupling Rod to Shock Absorber Fork
• Nut - Stabilizer Bar to Coupling Rod

Removing

  Note

During installation, all cable ties must be installed at the same location.

- Before starting the procedure, determine the curb weight position. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight Position, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring".

- Secure the subframe. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe, Securing".

- Disconnect the connector -2- and free up the wire.

- Loosen the nut -1- several turns, and free up and disconnect the connector -3-.

- Remove the nut -4- and free up the ground wire.

- Free up the wires to the steering gear.

- Equipment versions with electro-hydraulic engine mount: Disconnect the left and right connector -2- for the electrohydraulic engine mount solenoid valve.

- Equipment versions with support bearing: remove the left and right bolt -1- for the support bearing.

  Note

The illustration shows the installation position on a vehicle with a 2.0L TFSI engine.

- Remove the bolt -arrow- and free up the bracket -1- with the wiring harness.

- Remove the left and right bolts -arrow- for the subframe shield.

- Open the left and right cover -1- on the suspension strut tower in direction of -arrow-.

  Caution

There is a risk of damaging the joints on the upper control arm.

The wheel bearing housing must be supported.

- Tie up the left and right wheel bearing housing -1- as shown with the -T10038-. Use a hammer handle -2- to do this.

- To protect the threads, remove the nut -arrow- on the left and right side from the tie rod end joint pin until it is flush with the joint pin threads.

  WARNING

There is a risk of injury from falling components.

When pressing off, the tie rod end loosens abruptly from the wheel bearing housing. Use, for example, the -VAS6931- to secure.

  Caution

There is a risk of damaging the ball joint puller.

Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using maximum force.

- Remove the left and right tie rod end with the -VAS251805- from the wheel bearing housing.

- Then remove the nut. Use a 6 mm inner hex socket to counterhold at the joint pin if necessary.

Equipment Versions with Electronic Damping

- Disconnect the left and right connector -3- for the level control system sensor and free up the wire.

- Remove the nut -2- and free up the coupling rod.

  Note

Ignore item -1-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

- Disconnect the left and right control arm threaded connections -1 and 3-.

- Pivot the control arm toward the front.

  Note

• To remove the bolt -1 -, push the steering all the way to the left or right.
• Ignore item -2-.

- To protect the threads, remove the nut -arrow- on the left and right from the guide link joint pin just until it is flush with the joint pin threads.

  WARNING

There is a risk of injury from falling components.

When pressing off, the tie rod end loosens abruptly from the wheel bearing housing. Use, for example, the -VAS6931- to secure.

- Press out the guide link joint pin with the -T40043- from the conical seat. Do not damage the CV boot while doing so.

- Remove the nut and free up the guide link on the wheel bearing housing. If necessary, counterhold the joint pin with a TX 40 socket to do this.

- Remove the left and right nut -3- and the bolt -1- for the coupling rod -2-.

- Remove the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear and then push together. Refer to → Chapter "Steering Intermediate Shaft, Removing and Installing".

- Remove the left and right drive axle from the transmission. Refer to → Chapter "Drive Axle, Removing and Installing".

- Equipment versions with SCR system: Free up the SCR delivery line -1- on the subframe.

- Remove the left and right bolt -2- and lower the subframe with the -VAS6931-.

  Note

Make sure there is enough clearance for the wires when lowering the subframe.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

- Remove the -T40327-. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe, Securing".

- Install the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to → Chapter "Steering Intermediate Shaft, Removing and Installing".

  Note

Bonded rubber bushings have a limited range of rotation. Only tighten the threaded connections for the suspension when the vehicle is in curb weight position.

- Lift the wheel bearing in curb weight position. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight Position, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring".

  WARNING

Risk of accident!

If the vehicle will be driving on the streets, all bolts and nuts must be tightened properly according to the guidelines.

- Connections and wire routing. Refer to → Wiring diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component locations.

• Overview table for when an axle alignment is needed. Refer to → Chapter "Need for Axle Alignment, Evaluating".

  Note

If the steering wheel is crooked with the steering gear after an earlier removal of the subframe, then an axle alignment is necessary.

• Adjust the headlamps. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.94; Headlamps; Headlamps, Adjusting.
• Driver assistance systems front camera, calibrating. Refer to → Chapter "Driver Assistance Systems Front Camera, Calibrating".

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Subframe"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Suspension Strut and Upper Control Arm"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Wheel Bearing"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Drive Axle"

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