Rear Cross-Member: Service and Repair

Tie Rod

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Engine-/transmission jack (V.A.G 1383 A) with universal transmission support (V.A.G 1359/2)

Removing

Affects Vehicles with Air Suspension

- Place the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to => [ Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels ] Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels.

- Bleed air spring at rear axle. Refer to => [ Air Spring, Bleeding and Filling ] Rear Suspension.

Affect Vehicles with Coil Springs

- Remove coil spring. Refer to => [ Coil Spring ] Coil Spring.

Affects All Vehicles

- Remove bolt - 3 -.






- Support the exhaust system on both mufflers with a wood block and (V.A.G 1383 A).

- Remove the hex nuts - 1 - and lower the exhaust system.






- Remove bolt - 1 -.






- Remove tie rod - 2 -.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

• Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension screws when vehicle is in curb weight or control position.

• Wheel bearing, lifting to curb weight position on vehicles with coil springs, refer to => [ Wheel Bearing, with Coil Spring, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Wheel Bearing, with Coil Spring, Lifting to Curb Weight Position.

• Wheel bearing, lifting to control position on vehicles with air suspension, refer to => [ Wheel Bearing, with Air Suspension, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Wheel Bearing, with Air Suspension, Lifting to Curb Weight Position.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Trapezoidal Control Arm, Upper Control Arm, Tie Rod, Coil Spring and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview ] Trapezoidal Control Arm, Upper Control Arm, Tie Rod, Coil Spring and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview.

- Install the coil spring. Refer to => [ Coil Spring ] Coil Spring.

- In vehicles with air spring suspension, charge air spring at rear suspension. Refer to => [ Air Spring, Bleeding and Filling ] Rear Suspension.

- Install wheel.

- On vehicles with air suspension, position vehicle on wheels. Refer to => [ Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels ] Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels.

- Tighten wheel.

- Perform an axle alignment. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.

• The axle alignment must be performed on a VW/Audi approved alignment stand.