Servicing subframe - front-wheel drive vehicles — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Raise the car, remove the wheels, coil springs, underbody covers and diagonal struts where fitted. Support the subframe on a jack with a wooden block, remove the bolts and supports at the end being worked on and lower it no more than 4 cm using the spindle. Mark the bush position, press it out with the hydraulic press and press the new one in straight until its collar is flush, with the rubber beads on the marks. Repeat at the other end, refitting the locating element on the hydraulic rear bush, then touch up any paint damage and reassemble.

Fits: Audi A5 (8T, 2007–2016), Audi A5 Cabriolet (8F), Audi A4 B8 (8K, 2007–2015)

• Special tools named: 3346
• Renewed: bonded rubber bushes

Don't miss

• Lower one end of the subframe at a time to avoid a wheel alignment check.
• Never lower the subframe more than 4 cm.
• Mark each bush against the subframe before pressing out, and align the new one to those marks.
• Hold the press firmly; the bush lets go suddenly.
• Repair any paint damage with anti-corrosion coating, primer and black topcoat.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

1. Raise vehicle on lifting platform.
2. Remove wheels.
3. Remove coil springs . [Note: The front or rear part of the subframe is lowered in order to renew the bonded rubber bushes. The subframe does not have to be removed.Lower the subframe at each end separately. This avoids the need for checking and adjusting wheel alignment.Do not lower the subframe more than 4 cm.Mark the position of the bonded rubber bushes in relation to the subframe before removing them.]
4. Remove covers (1) and (2)General body repairs, exterior66Underbody trim; Exploded view - underbody trim.
5. Remove diagonal struts (A5 Cabriolet) .

6. Remove diagonal struts (A5 Sportback) .
7. Bring engine and gearbox jack with universal gearbox supportV.A.G 1359/2 into position under subframe (1).
8. Insert a suitable block of wood (2) under subframe (1).
9. Remove bolts (1) and (2) on both sides.
10. Detach support (3) on both sides.
11. Using assembly tool3301 and nut 3346/3, as shown in illustration, screw spindle 3346/2 approx. 1.5 cm into body on side opposite bonded rubber bush to be renewed. [Note: Screw nut 3346/3 onto spindle 3346/2 until distance (a) reaches 4 cm.]
12. Lower subframe not more than 4 cm.
13. Lift out plastic insert (1), as shown in illustration.
14. Mark installation position of bonded rubber bush in relation to subframe (arrows) using a felt-tip pen or similar.
15. If necessary, unscrew small-diameter support (arrow) from hydraulic pressVAS 6178 and screw in support T10205/13 in its place.
16. Apply special tools to front bonded rubber bush as shown in illustration.
17. ⚠ Hold hydraulic pressVAS 6178 securely during pressing operation.The bonded rubber bush will come loose suddenly. Injuries can be caused if the tools and the bonded rubber bush are allowed to drop. — Apply special tools to front bonded rubber bush as shown in illustration.
18. Align bonded rubber bush with markings made earlier and press in at the correct position until collar is flush with subframe bushing. If necessary, slacken cylinder and then press home again. Ensure that the bonded rubber bush remains straight during the first stage of installation, otherwise the outer ring may be damaged.
19. Ends of rubber beads on bonded rubber bush must align with markings (arrows) made earlier on subframe. [Note: After renewing the bushes, make good any paint damage on the subframe with anti-corrosion coating, primer and black topcoat.]
20. Unscrew nuts on both brackets for rear silencers as far as end of thread.
21. Bring engine and gearbox jack with universal gearbox supportV.A.G 1359/2 into position under subframe (1).
22. Insert a suitable block of wood (2) under subframe (1).
23. Remove rear subframe bolts .
24. Using assembly tool3301 and nut 3346/3, as shown in illustration, screw spindle 3346/2 approx. 1.5 cm into body on side opposite bonded rubber bush to be renewed. [Note: Screw nut 3346/3 onto spindle 3346/2 until distance (a) reaches 4 cm.]
25. Lower subframe not more than 4 cm.
26. Carefully lever locating element (1) off hydraulic bonded rubber bush in several stages on alternate sides by applying a screwdriver or similar tool in area of retaining lugs.
27. Lift out plastic insert (1), as shown in illustration.
28. Mark installation position of bonded rubber bush in relation to subframe (arrows) using a felt-tip pen or similar.
29. If necessary, unscrew small-diameter support (arrow) from hydraulic pressVAS 6178 and screw in support T10205/13 in its place.
30. Apply special tools to front bonded rubber bush as shown in illustration.
31. ⚠ Hold hydraulic pressVAS 6178 securely during pressing operation.The bonded rubber bush will come loose suddenly. Injuries can be caused if the tools and the bonded rubber bush are allowed to drop. — Apply special tools to rear bonded rubber bush as shown in illustration.
32. Align bonded rubber bush with markings made earlier and press in at the correct position until collar is flush with subframe bushing. If necessary, slacken cylinder and then press home again. Ensure that the bonded rubber bush remains straight during the first stage of installation, otherwise the outer ring may be damaged.
33. Ends of rubber beads on bonded rubber bush must align with markings (arrows) made earlier on subframe. [Note: After renewing the bushes, make good any paint damage on the subframe with anti-corrosion coating, primer and black topcoat.]
34. Fit locating element on hydraulic bonded rubber bush.

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