Removing and installing axle beam — VW

🧭 Before you start

Slacken the handbrake cables inside the car, fit the pedal depressor, then raise the car, remove wheels and strap the body. Unclip G76, remove the coil springs, support the beam and disconnect brake lines, hoses and handbrake cables. Mark and remove the mounting bracket bolts, unbolt the shock absorbers and lower the beam. On refitting, engage G76 correctly, tighten the axle unladen, bleed the brakes, adjust the parking brake and refit the wheels.

Fits: platform codes 5C7, 5C1

• Opens: brake fluid
• Special tools named: VAS 241, VAS 801, spring compressor

Don't miss

• Mark the bolt positions on the right-hand mounting bracket before removing them.
• Strap the axle to the jack when lowering; it is heavy and unbalanced.
• A new rear axle also needs its axle beam plates fitted.
• Seat level sender G76 in its lug and hear its flap click into the lower part.
• Tighten the rear axle in the unladen position, then bleed the brakes and adjust the parking brake.

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

📋 Procedure

1. Release handbrake.
2. Removing lining mat from storage compartment.
3. Remove flap (1) from centre console.
4. Remove centre armrest General body repairs, interior68Front centre armrest; Removing and installing front centre armrest.
5. Loosen adjustment nut (1) until handbrake cables (2) can be pulled out from compensator.

6. Apply brake pedal depressorV.A.G 1869/2.
7. Loosen wheel bolts.
8. Raise vehicle.
9. Remove wheels.
10. Remove plug from longitudinal member and pull in tensioning strap T10038.
11. Check trailing arm of axle beam Checking trailing arm of axle beam (torsion beam rear axle) using VAS 241 001 or Checking trailing arm of axle beam (torsion beam rear axle) using VAS 801
12. Release connectors (1) for speed sensor and pull off.
13. Release flap (1)(arrow A) and open.
14. Remove rear left vehicle level sender G76 from strut (2)(arrow B).
15. Insert spring compressor(1).
16. Compress coil springs until they can be removed.
17. Position engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A under axle beam.
18. Press axle beam upwards until cross piece (2) is horizontal.
19. Undo and remove bolted joint (1).
20. Disconnect left brake line (arrow A) and remove clip (arrow B).
21. Pull left brake hose (1) out of retainer.
22. Disconnect right brake line (arrow A) and remove clip (arrow B).
23. Pull right brake hose (1) out of axle beam.
24. Unhook handbrake cable (1) on both sides of vehicle from bracket (2).
25. Pull handbrake cable (1) out of guide tube (3).
26. Pull handbrake cable (1) out of grommet (2) in mounting (3) of rear axle.
27. Position engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
28. Secure rear axle with a strap or similar when lowering and removing.
29. Mark position of bolts (arrows) on mounting bracket on right-hand side of vehicle.
30. Remove bolts (arrows).
31. Unscrew bolt (1) for axle beam on left-hand side of vehicle.
32. Unbolt rear axle from shock absorbers (arrows).
33. Lower rear axle with engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A(1).
34. ⚠ When installing a new rear axle, the plates for the axle beam must also be installed. — Place rear left vehicle level sender G76 on strut (2) in such a way that it engages in lug (arrow B).
35. Flap (1) must be heard to engage in lower part (arrow A).
36. Tighten rear axle in unladen position .
37. Bleed brake system Brake system47Hydraulic system.
38. Adjust parking brake Brake system46Parking brake; Adjusting parking brake.
39. Install wheels and tighten bolts or nuts .

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