Removing and installing subframe - Audi A3 — AUDI

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Engine/gearbox lifter V.A.G 1383 A

Removing

Unscrew both front wheels.
If necessary, remove centre noise insulation -arrows-.
Unfasten noise insulation on left and right side at subframe.

Unfasten headlight range control unit at wishbone on left
=>Page
40-16
.

Front-wheel drive vehicles:

Unscrew connecting links on left and right at wishbone -arrow-.

Four-wheel drive vehicles:

Unscrew connecting links on left and right of anti-roll bar -arrow-.

All models:

Screw out bolts -arrows- at ball joint on left and right.
Unscrew drive shaft on left and right from gearbox flange.
Use wire to tie drive shafts to body.

First screw out bolts -A-, then bolts -B- of pendulum support.
Detach pendulum support.

If fitted, disengage rubber mount at front exhaust pipe -arrow-.
Screw out bolts -2- for steering box.

Prise steering box off subframe (dowel sleeve) -arrow-.
Unscrew holder for power steering pressure pipe on left of subframe.
Position engine/gearbox lifter V.A.G 1383 A with universal mount V.A.G 1359/2 and wooden block beneath subframe.

Screw out bolts -1- and -3- for subframe.
Carefully lower subframe.

Note:

When lowering, pay attention to side noise insulation and holder for hydraulic pipes on left side.

Installing

Install in reverse order, paying attention to the following:

Install subframe as follows:
Move subframe to installation position and screw it on hand-tight using new bolts.
Position steering box on subframe and fit steering box bolts.

Threaded sleeve -1- must be positioned in hole in subframe
Rubber insert on opposite side must be positioned on corresponding projection on subframe

Screw on steering box => Page
48-63
.

Screw on pendulum support at gearbox -arrows B-.
Use new bolts for attachment.

Press engine/gearbox assembly towards bulkhead.
Screw on pendulum support at subframe -arrows A-.
Use new bolts for attachment.
Check correct positioning of sealing collar at steering box pinion.
Install ball joints => Page
40-28
.
Screw on drive shafts at gearbox flange => Page
40-146
.

Tightening torques

Component · Nm
Subframe to body · 100 + 90° 1)2)
Steering box to subframe · 20 + 90°1)2
Pendulum support to subframe · 20 + 90°1)2)
Pendulum support to gearbox · 40 + 90° 1)2)
Holder for power steering pressure pipe to subframe · / 23
Connecting link to wishbone (FWD) · 15 + 90° 1)2)
Connecting link to anti-roll bar (4WD) · 90

1)
90°corresponds to quarter turn

2)
Replace nuts/bolts

Perform wheel alignment after installation.