Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 2128

 

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Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 2128

 

 

WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES 

When performing wheel alignment procedures, observe following work sequence:  

CONDITIONS FOR CHECKING WHEEL ALIGNMENT 

Fig. 5: Conditions For Which Wheel Alignment Must Be Checked 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

WHEEL ALIGNMENT WORK SEQUENCE 

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Using appropriate adapters connect VAG 1813 wheel alignment computer or equivalent to vehicle. 
Alignment is to always include both front and rear axles.  

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The lateral run-out of the wheel must be compensated. Otherwise the result of the measurement will be 
incorrect. If the wheel run-out compensation is not performed it is not possible to adjust toe-in correctly!  

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Check wheels for excessive out-of-balance condition. Balance or repair wheels as necessary.  

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Check front axle camber and even out if necessary.  

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Check camber at rear axle. Camber on rear axle cannot be adjusted.  

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Check rear axle toe. Rear axle toe on cannot be adjusted.  

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Check front axle toe with vehicle in initial position. Adjust as necessary. 

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. 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 WHEEL ALIGNMENT Specifications & Procedures - New Beetle

  

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:57:27 AM

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© 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

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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 FUNCTION 04 - BASIC SETTING in appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKES article in 
BRAKES.  

CENTERING STEERING WHEEL ON STEERING COLUMN 

If the installation position of the rear axle (which affects the direction of travel of the vehicle) is not taken into 
account, the steering wheel may not be centered. The steering wheel and steering column are marked. See Fig. 
6
 .  


Line on steering wheel 


Punch mark on steering column  

When removing steering wheel, a basic setting of the steering angle sensor must be performed. For zero 
position of steering angle sensor procedure, see FUNCTION 04 - BASIC SETTING in appropriate ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES article in BRAKES.  

CAUTION: Steering wheel to column positions must not be changed! Only then the 

center position on the rack can be guaranteed. 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 WHEEL ALIGNMENT Specifications & Procedures - New Beetle

  

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:57:27 AM

Page 9 

© 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 6: Installed Position Of Steering Wheel On Steering Column 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT 

Front Axle 

Before attempting any adjustments, perform PRELIMINARY CHECKS . Front wheel camber cannot be set 
separately. Camber can be evened out uniformly, by loosening subframe bolts and shifting subframe position 
until correct camber range is obtained.  

Working under vehicle, remove sound-deadening pan. Loosen subframe bolts (1) and (2). See Fig. 7 . Press 
subframe from side to side until camber is equalized on both sides. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT 
SPECIFICATIONS 
. Using NEW subframe bolts, torque bolts to 74 ft. lbs. (100 N.m) plus an additional 90°

NOTE:

If the values are outside the tolerance, the vehicle inclination to side must be 
checked and if necessary compensated before performing adjustments. See 
RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT . 

CAUTION: Manufacturer recommends replacing front subframe bolts if they are 

loosened or removed. 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 WHEEL ALIGNMENT Specifications & Procedures - New Beetle

  

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:57:27 AM

Page 10 

© 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

turn. After subframe bolts are torqued, recheck all wheel alignment settings including caster, readjusting as 
necessary.  

Fig. 7: Locating Subframe Bolts 
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC. 

Rear Axle 

Camber on rear axle cannot be adjusted. If a value lies outside the tolerances, check ride height and adjust if 
necessary. See RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT . If the measured values lie outside allowed tolerances, axle 
beam must be checked for damage and if necessary replaced.  

CASTER ADJUSTMENT 

Before attempting any adjustments, perform PRELIMINARY CHECKS . Front and rear caster are not 
adjustable. If caster is not as specified, locate and replace damaged or worn suspension parts.  

TOE ADJUSTMENT - REAR 

NOTE:

If the values are outside the tolerance, the vehicle inclination to side must be 

 

2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 

1998-2004 WHEEL ALIGNMENT Specifications & Procedures - New Beetle

  

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 8:57:27 AM

Page 11 

© 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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