IDENTIFYING SUSPENSION VARIATIONS
Various suspensions are offered as options. These variations are identified by part numbers. Running gear version installed in vehicle is indicated by the factory weight code on the vehicle data plate. (Scheme 1) Vehicle data plate is located in spare tire well and in service book.. Identifying proper suspension version is critical for wheel alignment. See IDENTIFYING SUSPENSION VARIATIONS table.
| Suspension Identification Code | Suspension Variation |
|---|---|
| OYZ | Standard Suspension |
| PQZ | Sport Suspension |
IDENTIFYING SUSPENSION VARIATIONS
Scheme 1
Floor Jack
To prevent damage always use a suitable rubber or wooden block. The floor jack may only be applied at the lifting points. On no account should vehicle be lifted at the engine oil pan, transmission or on front or rear axle as this may cause serious damage.
Jacking & Hoisting
For front of vehicleLocate lifting blocks at protective lift pads (arrow) between longitudinal member and rocker panel. (Scheme 2)
Scheme 2
For rear of vehicle, locate lifting blocks at protective pads (arrow) located in the access area provided in rear floor section. (Scheme 3)
Scheme 3
WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES
Note. While limited information is available, vehicle manufacturer does not support alignment information using aftermarket alignment equipment. To properly align vehicle, it is recommended to use VAG 1813 alignment computer. All procedures in this article are written using VAG 1813 alignment computer.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
Before beginning wheel alignment procedures, ensure following are checked.
- Using appropriate adapters connect VAG 1813 wheel alignment computer or equivalent to vehicle. Alignment is to always include both front and rear axles.
- All wheels and tires are of approved size (all 4 identical) and tires are properly inflated. Tread depth has no more than .08" (2 mm) difference between tires on same axle. Correct as necessary.
- Check wheels for excessive runout or out-of-balance condition. Balance or repair wheels as necessary. Permissible lateral runout of the wheel rims can exceed the specified toe setting tolerance. If compensation for wheel run-out is not performed, it will not be possible to obtain a correct toe-in adjustment.
- Check suspension and steering components for looseness or damage. Correct as necessary.
- Check wheel bearing play and condition. Correct as necessary.
- Fuel tank full. Spare tire and tools stored in appropriate storage area. Windshield washer reservoir full. Correct as necessary.
- Ensure sliding plates and turn tables are not touching the end stop when checking wheel alignment.
- Use brake pedal depressor.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE
When performing wheel alignment procedures, observe following work sequence
- Check front axle camber. Even out as necessary.
- Check camber at rear axle. Adjust as necessary.
- Check rear axle toe. Adjust as necessary.
- Check front axle toe. Adjust as necessary.
- If suspension adjustments were changed, and vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), zeroing of steering angle sensor must be performed. For zero position of steering angle sensor procedure, see appropriate ANTI-LOCK article in BRAKES.
ALIGNING STEERING WHEEL
Steering wheel may be crooked if installation position of rear axle and driving direction of vehicle are not taken into account. Steering wheel and steering column are marked. (Scheme 4) Do NOT change this position.
Arrow A is the line marking on steering wheel. Arrow B is the punch indentation on steering column. Otherwise centering of toothed shaft cannot be guaranteed. Steering columns that are delivered as replacement parts do not have punch indentations. Tightening torque of steering wheel socket head bolt (M12) is 41 ft. lbs. (55 N.m). Reapply markings after replacing steering column or steering wheel and performing alignment and road test.
Scheme 4
CASTER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT OR REAR)
Before attempting any measurements, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE . Front and rear caster are not adjustable. If caster is not as specified, locate and replace damaged or worn suspension parts.
Front Wheel Drive
Before attempting any adjustments, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE . Rear camber is not adjustable. If camber is not as specified, locate and replace damaged or worn suspension parts.
All-Wheel Drive
Before attempting any adjustments, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .
Rear camber value is based on vehicle standing (ride) height. To determine vehicle standing height, measure distance between center of wheel and lower edge of wheel housing. (Scheme 5) Once standing height is determined, use REAR AXLE CAMBER VALUES table to determine camber value.
Note. Before adjusting rear axle camber, check axle beam for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Note. Manufacturer recommends replacing lateral control arm/wheel carrier bolts and nuts if fasteners are loosened or removed.
Camber is adjusted via the specified range of bore in lateral control arm using special tools No. T40022/1 and T40022. (Scheme 6) See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. To adjust camber, loosen bolts on lateral control arm/wheel carrier and adjust to specification. Using NEW nuts and bolts, torque lateral control arm/wheel carrier bolts to 52 ft. lbs. (70 N.m) plus an additional 90° turn. Recheck rear camber, adjusting as necessary.
| Standing Height - In. (mm) | Camber (Degrees/Minutes) | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Suspension (1) | ||
| 13.85 (352) | 2° 10' | |
| 13.97 (355) | 2° 04' | |
| 14.17 (360) | 1° 54' | |
| 14.37 (365) | 1° 44' | |
| 14.57 (370) | 1° 34' | |
| 14.65 (372) | 1° 30' | |
| 14.76 (375) | 1° 24' | |
| 14.96 (380) | 1° 14' | |
| 15.03 (382) | 1° 10' | |
| Sport Suspension (1) | ||
| 13.07 (332) | 2° 48' | |
| 13.19 (335) | 2° 42' | |
| 13.39 (340) | 2° 32' | |
| 13.58 (345) | 2° 22' | |
| 13.78 (350) | 2° 12' | |
| 13.89 (352) | 2° 08' | |
| 13.98 (355) | 2° 02' | |
| 14.17 (360) | 1° 52' | |
| 14.25 (362) | 1° 48' | |
| (1) Tolerance range side to side is plus or minus 20'. | ||
| (1) | Tolerance range side to side is plus or minus 20'. |
REAR AXLE CAMBER VALUES
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
Before attempting toe adjustment, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .
While rear axle toe is not adjustable on FWD models, toe can be evened out. By moving the rear axle (in the elongated holes), it is possible to even out individual toe settings.
Loosen mounting bolts at mounting brackets. While observing rear toe display on alignment computer, even out individual toe settings by moving axle beam within elongated holes in mounting brackets. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS . Tighten rear axle mounting bracket bolts to 59 ft. lbs. (80 N.m).
If overall toe setting is outside permitted range, or if it is not possible to even out the individual settings, the axle beam must be checked for damage and replaced if necessary. It may also be necessary to check body alignment in the area of the rear axle mounting points and perform repairs as necessary.
Before attempting toe adjustment, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .
Rear toe adjustment is adjusted via the specified range of bore in lateral control arm. Attach special tools No. T40022/1 and T40022 (Scheme 7)
Note. Manufacturer recommends using new mounting bracket bolts if originals are loosened or removed.
Loosen all mounting bracket bolts. While observing alignment computer, slide control arm back and forth until specification is met. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS . If overall toe setting is outside permitted range, check control arms and related parts for damage. Replace as necessary. It may also be necessary to check body alignment in the area of the rear axle mounting points and perform repairs as necessary. Using NEW mounting bolts, torque bolts to 55 ft. lbs. (75 N.m). Recheck toe, adjusting as necessary.
Scheme 7
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)
Before attempting any adjustments, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .
Note. Manufacturer recommends replacing lower control arm nuts if originals are loosened or removed.
Working under vehicle, remove outer of the 3 nuts on lower control arm. (Scheme 8) Install Camber Adjustment Tool (T40021). Loosen remaining control arm nuts. While observing wheel alignment computer, turn bolt on camber adjustment tool to press control arm until specified value is reached. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS.
Torque NEW forward 2 nuts to 55 ft. lbs. (75 N.m). Remove camber adjustment tool. Install remaining control arm nut, and torque NEW nut to 55 ft. lbs. (75 N.m). After control arm bolts are torqued, recheck all wheel alignment settings and readjust as necessary.
Scheme 8
TOE ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)
Before attempting toe adjustment, see PRELIMINARY CHECKS and WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE .
Counter holding hex "A", loosen lock nut "B" on tie rod. (Scheme 9) Also, loosen rack boot outer clamp. Adjust toe by turning hex nut "C" until proper setting is reached. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Do not allow boot to twist during adjustment, straighten twisted boots after toe is set. Tighten tie rod lock nuts to 41 ft. lbs. (55 N.m). Recheck toe adjustment.
Scheme 9
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Preferred (1) | Range | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (Quattro) | ||||
| Camber | ||||
| Front (2) | 45' | 45' To -15' | ||
| Rear (3) , (11) | (4) , (5) | N/A | ||
| Caster (After-Run) | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 7° 58' | 7° 58' | ||
| Rear (3) | (6) | (6) | ||
| Toe-In (7) | ||||
| Front | 4' | 4' To 7.5' | ||
| Rear | 7.5' | 2.5' To 15' | ||
| Overall Toe-In (8) | ||||
| Front | 8' | 8' To 15' | ||
| Rear | 15' | 5' To 30' | ||
| Toe-Out At 20 Degrees (9) | 1° 31' | 1° 11' To 1° 51' | ||
| Max. Permissible Deviation From Longitudinal Vehicle Axis | 20' | — | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | ||||
| Camber | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 45' | 45' To -15' | ||
| Rear (2) , (3) | 2° | 1° 40' To -2° 20' | ||
| Caster (After-run) | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 7° 58' | N/A | ||
| Rear | (6) | (6) | ||
| Toe-In (7) | ||||
| Front | 4' | 4' To 7.5' | ||
| Rear | 14' | 13.5' To 14.5' | ||
| Overall Toe-In (8) | ||||
| Front | 8' | 8' To 15' | ||
| Rear | 28' | 18' To 38' | ||
| Caster (After-run) | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 7° 58' | N/A | ||
| Rear | (6) | (6) | ||
| Toe-Out At 20 Degrees (9) | 1° 31' | 1° 11' To 1° 51' | ||
| Max. Permissible Deviation From Longitudinal Vehicle Axis (10) | 15' | — | ||
| (1) All measurements are in degrees and minutes. (2) Maximum difference per side is 30'. (3) Not adjustable. (4) Camber range is dependent on ride height of rear axle. See CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (REAR) under WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES. (5) Maximum difference per side is 20'. (6) No specifications supplied by manufacturer. (7) Toe setting for each wheel, wheels not pressed. (8) Wheels not pressed. (9) The angle of the outside wheel is less by this amount. Depending on alignment computer being used, this measurement may be indicated as a negative reading. (10) Slight corrections are possible by moving rear axle beam. (11) In production before chassis No. 8N Y1 060001, a camber value of -1° 2' +/- 20 is also permissible during checking. | ||||
| (1) | All measurements are in degrees and minutes. |
| (2) | Maximum difference per side is 30'. |
| (3) | Not adjustable. |
| (4) | Camber range is dependent on ride height of rear axle. See CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (REAR) under WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES. |
| (5) | Maximum difference per side is 20'. |
| (6) | No specifications supplied by manufacturer. |
| (7) | Toe setting for each wheel, wheels not pressed. |
| (8) | Wheels not pressed. |
| (9) | The angle of the outside wheel is less by this amount. Depending on alignment computer being used, this measurement may be indicated as a negative reading. |
| (10) | Slight corrections are possible by moving rear axle beam. |
| (11) | In production before chassis No. 8N Y1 060001, a camber value of -1° 2' +/- 20 is also permissible during checking. |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (STANDARD SUSPENSION)
| Application | Preferred (1) | Range | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (Quattro) | ||||
| Camber | ||||
| Front (2) | 58' | 28' To 58' | ||
| Rear | (4) , (5) | N/A | ||
| Caster (After-run) | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 8° 15' | 8° 15' | ||
| Rear (3) | (6) | (6) | ||
| Toe-In (7) | ||||
| Front | 4' | 4' To 7.5' | ||
| Rear | 7.5' | 2.5' To 15' | ||
| Overall Toe-In (8) | ||||
| Front | 8' | 8' To 15' | ||
| Rear | 15' | 5' To 30' | ||
| Toe-Out At 20 Degrees (9) | 1° 31' | 1° 11' To 1° 51' | ||
| Max. Permissible Deviation From Longitudinal Vehicle Axis | 20' | — | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | ||||
| Camber | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 58' | 28' To 58' | ||
| Rear (2) , (3) | 2° | 1° 40' To -2° 20' | ||
| Caster (After-run) | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 8° 15' | 8° 15' | ||
| Rear | (6) | (6) | ||
| Toe-In (7) | ||||
| Front | 4' | 4' To 7.5' | ||
| Rear | 19.5' | 14.5' To 24.5' | ||
| Overall Toe-In (8) | ||||
| Front | 8' | 8' To 15' | ||
| Rear (3) | 39' | 29' To 49' | ||
| Caster (After-run) | ||||
| Front (2) , (3) | 7° 58' | N/A | ||
| Rear | (6) | (6) | ||
| Toe-Out At 20 Degrees (9) | 1° 31' | 1° 11' To 1° 51' | ||
| Max. Permissible Deviation From Longitudinal Vehicle Axis (10) | 15' | — | ||
| (1) All measurements are in degrees and minutes. (2) Maximum difference per side 30'. (3) Not adjustable (4) Camber range is dependent on ride height of rear axle. See CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (REAR) under WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES. (5) Maximum difference per side 20'. (6) No specifications supplied by manufacturer. (7) Toe setting for each wheel, wheels not pressed. (8) Wheels not pressed. (9) The angle of the outside wheel is less by this amount. Depending on alignment computer being used, this measurement may be indicated as a negative reading. (10) Slight corrections are possible by moving rear axle beam. | ||||
| (1) | All measurements are in degrees and minutes. |
| (2) | Maximum difference per side 30'. |
| (3) | Not adjustable |
| (4) | Camber range is dependent on ride height of rear axle. See CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (REAR) under WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES. |
| (5) | Maximum difference per side 20'. |
| (6) | No specifications supplied by manufacturer. |
| (7) | Toe setting for each wheel, wheels not pressed. |
| (8) | Wheels not pressed. |
| (9) | The angle of the outside wheel is less by this amount. Depending on alignment computer being used, this measurement may be indicated as a negative reading. |
| (10) | Slight corrections are possible by moving rear axle beam. |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (SPORT SUSPENSION)