Volkswagen Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing upper ball joint or bonded rubber bush

–  Measure distance -a- from centre of wheel to edge of wheel housing using, for example, a measuring tape. –  Note the measured value. This is required for tightening the bolts for the rear axle on the mounting bracket. –  Lift vehicle until the load on the rear axle is relieved. The wheel should still be touching the ground. –  Loosen twelve-point nut on drive shaft. Securing vehicle to lifting platform If the vehicle is not strapped down, there is a danger that the vehicle will slip off the lifting platform!

–  Remove plugs from longitudinal member -3- and draw in tensioning strap. 1 -  Lifting platform arm 2 -  Tensioning strap -T10038-; the vehicle must be secured on the left and right sides with the tensioning strap. –  Remove wheel. –  First remove spring. Removing and installing spring → Chapter. Removing and installing spring, R32 → Chapter.

–  Remove lower bolt securing shock absorber -arrow-.

–  Remove securing bolts -1- from brake caliper and remove brake caliper. –  Hang brake caliper on body.

–  Remove bolt -1- for transverse link. –  Loosen bolted connection between transverse link and subframe.

–  Press out drive shaft.   Note When pressing drive shaft out, ensure that there is sufficient clearance. –  Pull trailing arm out from lower wishbone.

–  Attach tools as shown in figure. When positioning tools, ensure that recess -arrow- of thrust piece -T10254/2--3- is positioned correctly. 1 -  Nut -T10254/4- with spindle -T10254/5- 2 -  Thrust piece -T10030/1A- 3 -  Thrust piece -T10254/2- 4 -  Hydraulic press -VAS 6178- –  Pull ball joint out.