Wheel Alignment

General Information and Special Tools

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Wheel Alignment Computer -VAG1813- or VW/Audi approved wheel alignment devices
• Brake Pedal Actuator -VAG1869/2-.
• Insert Tool - 18mm -T10179-
• Shock Absorber Set -T10001-

Wheel alignment must only performed using VW/Audi-approved wheel alignment equipment!

Wheel alignment checks must always include both the front and rear axles.

Otherwise centering of toothed shaft cannot be guaranteed!

• Perform alignment using the alignment computer.

All information needed for the alignment can be found in the alignment computer.

Current data "updates" are stored in VWServiceNet.

VWServiceNet; systems; software wheel alignment computer; Beissbarth

VWServiceNet; systems; software wheel alignment computer; Hunter

VWServiceNet; systems; software wheel alignment computer; Corghi

VWServiceNet; systems; software wheel alignment computer; John Bean

Note

• Wheels should not be aligned until the vehicle has been driven 1,000 to 2,000 km (621 to 1242 miles), since it takes this long for the coil springs to settle.
• The individual specifications should be followed as exactly as possible when making adjustments.

When Vehicle Alignment is Necessary

• Vehicle shows handling problems.
• There is an accident damage and components were replaced.
• Axle components have been removed or replaced.
• Tire wear patterns are uneven.

Components Replaced

Front Axle Component Replaced	Wheel Alignment Check Required		Rear Axle Component Replaced	Wheel Alignment Check Required
	Yes	No		Yes	No
Lower control arm		X	Lower transverse link	X
Bonded rubber bushings for control arm		X 1)	Upper Transverse Link	X
Wheel bearing housing	X		Tie rod	X
Tie rod/tie rod end	X		Wheel bearing housing	X
Steering gear	X		Subframe	X
Subframe		X 1)	Coil spring		X
Suspension strut		X	Shock absorber		X
Stabilizer bar		X 1)	Stabilizer bar		X
			Trailing Arm	X

¹⁾ Prerequisite: the subframe was secured prior to removal.

Components Removed and Installed

Components Of Front Axle Removed And Installed	Wheel Alignment Check Required		Components Of Rear Axle Removed And Installed	Wheel Alignment Check Required
	Yes	No		Yes	No
Lower control arm		X 1)	Lower transverse link	X
Wheel bearing housing		X	Upper transverse link	X
Tie rod/tie rod end	X		Tie rod	X
Steering gear	X		Wheel bearing housing	X
Subframe		X 1)	Subframe	X
Suspension strut		X	Coil spring		X
Stabilizer bar		X 1)	Shock absorber		X
			Stabilizer bar		X
			Trailing arm	X

¹⁾ Prerequisite: the subframe was secured prior to removal.

Test Prerequisites

• Suspension, wheel bearing, steering and steering linkage checked for excessive play and damage.
• Tread depth difference may be no more than 2 mm on an axle.
• Tires inflated to the inflation pressure.
• Curb weight of vehicle.
• Fuel tank must be full.
• Spare tire and vehicle tools are installed in appropriate position in vehicle.
• The water container for the windshield/headlamp cleaning system must be full.
• Make sure the sliding plates and turntables are not touching the end stop when taking measurements.

Caution

Test equipment must be properly attached and adjusted; observe equipment manufacturer instructions!

If necessary, contact the manufacturer for instruction on the proper use of the alignment tester.

After a certain period, wheel alignment platforms and computer equipment can lose their original leveling setting and adjustments.

Wheel alignment platforms and wheel alignment analyzer/computer should be serviced and calibrated at least once a year.

• Treat these highly sensitive units carefully and conscientiously!

Measure Preparations

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Brake Pedal Actuator -VAG1869/2-.

The lateral run-out of the wheel must be compensated for. Otherwise, measurement will result in false readings.

A correct toe-in adjustment will not be possible without performing lateral run-out compensation!

For this, observe notes by manufacturer of wheel alignment equipment.

• Perform wheel run-out compensation.
• Install the Brake Pedal Actuator -VAG1869/2-.
• Actuate the brake pedal using brake pedal actuator.

Wheel Alignment Specified Values

Specifications valid for all engine versions

• Explanation of PR. numbers can be found here.

Standing heights listed in the table refer to dimension -a-.

Front Axle	Basic suspension	Sport suspension	Basic suspension with adaptive chassis DCC	Basic suspension USA and Canada	Blue Motion
PR Numbers	G02/G10	G03	G40	G34/G74	G06/G07
Total toe (wheels not pressed)	10′ +- 10′	10′ +- 10′	10′ +- 10′	10′ +- 10′	10′ +- 10′
Camber (in straight-ahead position)	-27′ +- 30′	-27′ +- 30′	-27′ +- 30′	-27′ +- 30′	-47′ +- 30′
Maximum permissible difference between both sides	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'
Toe-out angle 1) with steering wheel turned 20º to left and right	1º36′ +- 20′	1º36′ +- 20′	1º36′ +- 20′	1º36′ +- 20′	1º32′ +- 20′
Caster	7º 34′ +- 30′	7º 34′ +- 30′	7º 34′ +- 30′	7º 34′ +- 30′	7º 45′ +- 30′
Maximum permissible difference between both sides	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'
Standing height	430 +- 10 mm	430 +- 10 mm	430 +- 10 mm	430 +- 10 mm	410 +- 10 mm

¹⁾ The toe angle difference can also be indicated negatively in alignment computer, depending on manufacturer.

Specified values valid for all engine versions.

• Explanation of PR. numbers can be found here → Chapter "Vehicle Data Label"

AWD rear axle	Basic suspension	Sport suspension	Basic suspension with adaptive chassis DCC	Basic suspension US version	Blue Motion
Camber	-1º 20′ +- 30′	-1º 20′ +- 30′	-1º 20′ +- 30′	-1º 20′ +- 30′	-1º 20′ +- 30′
Maximum permissible difference between both sides	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'	maximum 30'
Total toe (at prescribed camber)	+10′ +- 10′	+10′ +- 10′	+10′ +- 10′	+10′ +- 10′	+10′ +- 10′
Maximum permissible deviation from direction of rotation	maximum 20′	maximum 20′	maximum 20′	maximum 20′	maximum 20′
Standing height	440 +- 10 mm	440 +- 10 mm	440 +- 10 mm	440 +- 10 mm	430 +- 10 mm

Overview - Wheel Alignment Procedure

Observe the Following Work Sequence!

• Pay attention to notes on wheel alignment device

Measuring Procedure

	Start			→	Perform wheel run-out compensation.	→	Bounce vehicle
							↓
	Turn the steering wheel into the straight ahead position and secure it 1)			←	Measure vehicle height	←	Install the Brake Pedal Actuator -VAG1869/2-.
		↓
	Check camber at front axle			→	Is actual value within tolerance?	→	No
					↓		↓
		↓	←	←	Yes		Adjust.
		↓					↓
		↓	←	←	←	←	←
		↓
	Check rear axle camber			→	Is actual value within tolerance?	→	No
					↓		↓
		↓	←	←	Yes		Adjust.
		↓					↓
		↓	←	←	←	←	←
		↓
	Check toe at rear axle			→	Is actual value within tolerance?	→	No
					↓		↓
		↓	←	←	Yes		Adjust.
		↓					↓
		↓	←	←	←	←	←
		↓
	Check caster at front axle			→	Is actual value within tolerance?	→	No
					↓		↓
		↓	←	←	Yes		Check axle parts and body
		↓					↓
		↓	←	←	←	←	←
		↓
	Check toe at front axle			→	Is actual value within tolerance?	→	No
					↓		↓
	End			←	Yes		Adjust.
		↑					↓
		↑	←	←	←	←	←

¹⁾ If steering wheel is crooked at end of alignment procedure, it must be straightened. Perform a basic setting on the Steering Angle Sensor -G85- using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Front Axle Camber, Correcting

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-

Note

• Camber correction is required only after repair work on chassis. The camber is not adjustable, however it can be rearranged by sliding the subframe!
• Slide subframe only toward left or right, under no circumstances in or against direction of travel!

• Remove the noise insulation.
• Loosen bolts -1- for subframe -2- to body on both sides.

Adjusting the camber is limited by the subframe hole tolerances. If moving the subframe does not reach the specified value, then check the installation.

• Only specified value for camber can be adjusted by moving subframe -arrows 3-.
• Bolt on subframe to body with additional torque angle using new bolts.

After sliding subframe and steering gear along with it as well, clearance between universal joint of steering column and cutout of bulkhead must be checked.

• Remove securing nuts -arrows- and remove foot well trim.

There must be at least 5 mm of clearance between universal joint -2- and cutout in bulkhead.

Tightening Specifications

Component	Tightening Specification
Mounting bracket to body Use new bolts.	70 N·m + 180º

Tightening Specifications, Subframe to Body

Bolt	Tightening Specification
M12 x 1.5 x 90 Use new bolts.	70 N·m + 180º
M12 x 1.5 x 100 Use new bolts.	70 N·m + 180º
M12 x 1.5 x 110 Use new bolts.	70 N·m + 90º

Rear Axle Camber, Adjusting

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Insert Tool - 18mm -T10179-
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-

• Loosen nut -A- of threaded connection of upper transverse link at subframe.
• Adjust camber by turning hex of eccentric bolt -arrow-.

Note

The maximum adjustment range is 90º to left or right of center position.

• Tighten nut -A-.

• To do so, use the Insert Tool - 18mm -T10179-.

When using Insert Tool - 18mm -T10179-, tighten nut to 80 N·m.

• After tightening the nut -A-, (Fig. N44-10035.

Tightening Specifications

Component	Tightening Specification
Upper transverse link to subframe (vehicles with AWD) Use new nut Tighten bolts in curb weight position	95 N·m Adjust Torque Wrench 40-200Nm -VAG1332- to 80 N·m when tightening nut. Only applies in conjunction with Insert Tool - 18mm -T10179-.

Rear Axle Toe, Adjusting

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-

• Loosen nut -1-.
• Turn eccentric bolt -2- until the specified value has been reached.
• Now tighten nut again.

Tightening Specification

Component	Tightening Specification
Lower transverse link to subframe Use new nut Tighten bolts in curb weight position	95 N·m

Front Axle Toe, Adjusting

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
• Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Open Ring Wrench - 24mm -VAG1332/11-

• Loosen lock nut -3-, counterhold at tie rod end -2- when doing so.
• Remove open spring clip -1- from boot.
• Adjust the toe by turning the left and/or right tie rod.

For this purpose, an open-end wrench can be placed on hex head of tie rod.

Be sure that boots are not twisted after turning tie rods!

Twisted boots wear out quickly.

• Tighten lock nut with Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Open Ring Wrench - 24mm -VAG1332/11- while counterholding tie rod end -1-.
• Check toe value again.

Setting may change slightly after lock nut is tightened.

If the measured toe nevertheless lies within the tolerance, the adjustment is correct.

• Install the spring clamp on the boot.

Tightening Specifications

Component	Tightening Specification
Tie rod end to tie rod	70 N·m

Basic Setting for Steering Angle Sensor -G85-

If steering wheel is offset, Basic Setting of Steering Angle Sensor -G85- must be checked! Perform a basic setting in Guided Fault Finding using Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Use the GO TO in "function/component selection".

Vehicle Data Label

Currently the information on the data vehicle plate for each chassis installed is not available.

For information regarding each chassis installed, refer to ELSA/Vehicle Individual.

In this example the vehicle has basic suspension G02 -arrow- installed.