Removing and installing side member trim, GTD: VW Golf VII Variant
Step-by-step removing and installing side member trim, GTD for the VW Golf VII Variant: 12 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.
Workshop procedure for VW — the exact step sequence and torque figures, straight from real workshop data.
🧭 Before you start
Fits: VW Golf VII Variant (BA)
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- Dimension (a) is measured including wheel housing liner (1). The dimensions (b to l) are always measured relative to centre hole.Dimension (m) can only be measured in the area of the rear door.
📋 Procedure
- Unscrew outer bolt from side member trim.
- Push side member trim (1) towards rear (arrows a) until side member trim is released from all securing bolts (2).
- Remove side member trim (1) from side member (arrows b).
- Screw in self-tapping screws (2) using cordless screwdriverVAS 5036 at maximum speed, until the screws bite.
- Remove cordless drill/driver immediately.
- Tighten screws to least possible torque, so that screws are not excessively tightened.
- Position openings on back of side member trim (1) evenly (arrows a) over all securing bolts (2) until side member trim lies against side member (3).
- Push side member trim forcefully towards front as far as stop (arrows b).
- Screw outer bolt into side member trim. [Note: The self-tapping screws for the sill panel trim are corrosion-resistant. No further secondary treatment is required.If a self-tapping screw is overtightened, it is essential to replace it with a "“black”" oversize self-tapping screw.]
- Measure holes according to the table below.
- Centre the holes for the securing screws.
- Pre-drill holes using a 1.5 mm drill bit. [Note: Dimension (a) is measured including wheel housing liner (1). The dimensions (b to l) are always measured relative to centre hole.Dimension (m) can only be measured in the area of the rear door.]
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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.