Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Golf Variant. Service manual - part 881

♦ Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm - VAG1332-
– Loosen nut -1-.
– Turn the eccentric bolt -2- until the specified value is reached.

Note

The maximum adjustment range is 90° to left or right of center

position.

– Tighten the nut -1-.
– After the nut -A- is tightened, check the toe value once more.

Refer to 

⇒ “3.4 Axle Alignment Specified Values”, page 298

 .

Tightening Specifications
♦ Refer to 

⇒ “5.1 Overview - Transverse Link”, page 181

3.11

Front Axle Toe, Adjusting

Special tools and workshop equipment required
♦ Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm - VAG1332-
♦ Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Open Ring Wrench - 24mm -

VAG1332/9-

– To loosen or tighten the lock nut -2-, counterhold at the tie rod

end -1- with a suitable tool.

– Loosen the lock nut -2-.
– Adjust toe on left and right–hand wheels at hex -arrow-.

Note

♦

Make sure that boot on steering gear is not damaged or twis‐

ted. Twisted boots wear out quickly.

♦

Only tighten the lock nuts when the vehicle is resting on the

ground - the tie rod end must be parallel to the suspension

strut steering lever.

– Tighten the lock nut -2- and check the toe-in value again.
After tightening the lock nut -2-, it is possible that the value devi‐

ates slightly.
If the measured toe nevertheless lies within the tolerance, the

adjustment is correct. Refer to

⇒ “3.4 Axle Alignment Specified Values”, page 298

 .

Tightening Specifications
♦ Refer to 

⇒ “3.6 Steering Gear, Servicing”, page 363

3.12

Wheel Run-Out Compensation

A correct toe-in adjustment will not be possible without performing

lateral run-out compensation!
The lateral run–out of the wheel must be compensated for. Oth‐

erwise, measurement will result in false readings.

Permissible axial run-out of the wheel rims can exceed the speci‐

fied toe setting tolerance. If compensation for wheel run-out is not

performed, it will not be possible to obtain a correct toe-in adjust‐

ment.
Follow the operating instructions provided by the manufacturer of

the alignment equipment.

3.13

Maximum Steering Angle, Checking

The wheel alignment computer determines the maximum steering

angle.
– If the value for the maximum steering angle is outside of the

tolerance, then observe the following parameters:

♦ Is there damage to or distortion of steering- and suspension

components?

♦ Are the tie rods visually OK?
♦ Is the tie rod symmetry correct?
Damaged components are to be replaced.
– If the steering wheel is crooked, then observe the following

parameters:

♦ Check the steering components for damage and distortion. If

necessary, the damaged parts are to be replaced.

♦ Check the suspension components for damage and distortion.

If necessary, the damaged parts are to be replaced.

♦ Check the tie rod symmetry as well.
– Measure the dimension -a- on the “shorter” tie rod end. Short‐

en the “longer” tie rod end to the same dimension. To do this,

install the tie rod end -1- deeper on the tie rod -2-.

The dimension -a- must be the same on the right and left tie rod

end.
The maximum permitted difference between the right and left

must be < 2.5 mm.
– When the steering wheel returns to its center position, let the

steering wheel “come to its center” using even movements.

4

Wheel/Tire Vibration, Causes and

Solution

⇒ “4.1 Vibration Causes”, page 311
⇒ “4.2 Road Test, Performing Before Balancing”, page 311

 .

⇒ “4.3 Wheel, Balancing”, page 312
⇒ “4.4 Vibration Control System”, page 316
⇒ “4.5 Tire and Wheel Radial and Lateral Run-Out, Checking”,

page 316
⇒ “4.6 Rim Radial and Lateral Run-Out, Checking”, page 317
⇒ “4.7 Wheels and Tires, Matching”, page 318
⇒ “4.8 Flat Spots in Tires From Standing, Determining”,

page 319

4.1

Vibration Causes

There are many causes for vibration. Vibration can also be

caused by tire wear, among other things. Tire wear caused by

driving does not always develop evenly over the entire tread. Due

to this, a slight imbalance develops which disturbs the smooth‐

ness of the formerly accurately balanced wheel.
This slight imbalance cannot yet be felt in the steering wheel, but

it is present. It increases the tire wear and consequently reduces

the service life of the tire.
Recommendation
In order to guarantee over the entire service life of a tire a
• Optimal safety,
• Optimal smoothness and
• Uniform wear
It is recommended that wheels/tires be balanced at least two

times within the tire's service life.

4.2

Road Test, Performing Before Balanc‐

ing

If a vehicle comes to the shop with the complaint “vibration”, a

road test must be performed before balancing the wheels.
♦ That way, information about the type of vibration can be ob‐

tained.

♦ Observe at which speed range the disturbance takes place.
– Raise the vehicle on the platform immediately after the road

test.

– Mark the component location on the tire.

Component Location of Tire

Identification with ...

Left front tire

LF

Right front tire

RF

Left rear tire

LR

Right rear tire

RR

– Remove the wheels from the vehicle.
– Balance the wheels.

4.3

Wheel, Balancing

⇒ “4.3.1 Wheel, Balancing”, page 312
⇒ “4.3.2 Wheel, Balancing on Stationary Balancing Machine”,

page 312
⇒ “4.3.3 Wheel, Balancing with Finish Balancer”, page 315

4.3.1

Wheel, Balancing

Before beginning balancing, the following requirements must be

fulfilled.
• The tire pressure must be OK.
• The tire tread must not be worn down on one side and should

be at least 4 mm deep.

• The tires must not have any damage such as cuts, holes, for‐

eign bodies, etc.

• The suspension and steering, including the shock absorber,

must be in perfect condition.

• A road test has been performed.

4.3.2

Wheel, Balancing on Stationary Balanc‐

ing Machine

• Test drive performed. Refer to

⇒ “4.2 Road Test, Performing Before Balancing”, page 311

 .

Tension Wheel on Balancing Machine

Note

Please keep in mind that cleanliness is the most important when

balancing as well, just as for any other repairs you perform. Only

then can a proper result be obtained!

Dirt and rust in the area of the contact surfaces and centering of

the wheel distorts the result.
– Clean contact surfaces, centering seat and wheel disc using

the Pneumatic Brush Grinder Set - VAS6446- before tension‐

ing wheel on balancing machine. Refer to Workshop Equip‐

ment, Catalog.

Note

It is very important that the wheel balancing machine uses the

correct system for centering and tensioning the tires. Reference

the information for the Wheel Balancing Machine Centering Sys‐

tem before beginning any work. Refer to Workshop Equipment,

Catalog.