Removing and installing subframe - Audi S3 — AUDI
Removing and installing subframe - Audi S3 on Audi: factory workshop procedure. Full factory text, tools and checks.
Workshop procedure for AUDI — the factory write-up, straight from real workshop data.
📋 Procedure
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Ball joint puller 3287 A
Engine/gearbox lifter V.A.G 1383 A
Removing
Unscrew both front wheels.
Unfasten noise insulation on left and right side at subframe.
Unfasten headlight range control unit on left at wishbone
=>Page
40-16
.
Unscrew connecting links on left and right of anti-roll bar -arrow-.
Unscrew nut -arrow-.
Apply ball joint puller 3287 A to ball joint as shown.
Note:
Leave nut screwed several turns onto ball joint to protect thread.
First screw out bolts -A-, then bolts -B- of pendulum support.
Detach pendulum support.
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
.
Tightening torques
Component · Nm
Subframe to body · 100 + 90° 1)2)
Steering box to subframe · 20 + 90°1)2
Pendulum support to gearbox · 40 + 90° 1)2)
Pendulum support to subframe · 20 + 90°1)2)
Holder for power steering pressure pipe to subframe · / 23
Connecting link to anti-roll bar · 90
1)
90°corresponds to quarter turn
2)
Replace nuts/bolts
Perform wheel alignment after installation.
TorqFix answers live for your specific car — tell it the engine code and it serves the matching sequence, torque figures and wiring for that exact variant.
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Who makes these pages, and how
TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.
The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.
Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.