UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi there

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here.

I need to remove the subframe on my 2003 Polo IV (9N) 1.2 12V AZQ in order to re-weld the receiving nut for the bolt securing the dogbone (rear engine mount) to the subframe.

I cannot seem to find the proper instructions in the Haynes manual (only thing I can find which is close is section 10-7, but that only describes dropping the subframe slightly in order to replace the anti-roll bar. Nor can I find anything by searching the forums.

A bit of detail on why I need to do this:
TLDR: The point welds on the receiving nut for the dogbone-to-subframe bolt broke and I need to remove the subframe to weld it back on.

I had a deep double clunking noise when releasing the accelerator on highways, as well as when releasing the clutch a bit too quickly in lower gears, and could feel the car jerking slightly forwards. I have checked a lot of different bushings, spring, shocks, etc. that could cause the issue, but wanted to inspect the dogbone bushing (lower engine mount). I followed the steps in the Haynes manual (i.e. supporting the transmission with a jack, etc.) but when trying to remove the bolt securing the dogbone to the subframe, I heard a loud "clunk" and now the bolt is simply spinning without tightening or loosening. Wriggling my fingers to the top of the subframe, I can feel the receiving nut spinning, and my hypothesis is that the point welds, securing the nut to the subframe have broken. I cannot fit a socket spanner, or wrench up there in order to hold it in place. My best suggestion is to remove the subframe and re-weld the receiving nut to the subframe, or replace it with a new and weld that on, depending on the condition.

Have anyone done this before and do I need to follow other steps than the ones below?:
1. Remove wheels
2. Support transmission with jack
2. Remove wishbones (will replace these anyways)
3. Remove front exhaust (will replace anyways)
4. Remove 2 bolts securing dogbone to transmission/engine
5. Remove bolts securing subframe (while supporting subframe)
6. Lower and remove subframe, unbolt dogbone, and weld nut back on.
7. Refitting reverse of removal

Not sure if I need to do anything else, (e.g. supporting engine, axels, steering column/gear, etc.), but hope anyone can help me?

Thank you!

I think that removing the steering rack bolts is a must when dropping the subframe, I started looking into dropping the subframe on my wife's old 2002 9N Polo when the early type ARB end stops broke free, then I handed it into the dealership as the subframe needs to be carefully located so that it is possible to get the 4 wheel alignment correct.

Thanks for the reply.

You are probably right - the steering tack bolts do need to be removed for when removing the subframe. Upon a second reading of the Haynes manual I also noticed other steps that they recommend:
- Securing the steering rack to the body with steel wire (I have also seen this done, with rope, in a YouTube video of someone changing the subframe of a Golf 4).
- Marking the position of the steering rack relative to the subframe, in order to ensure correct alignment.

I am quite worried about the cost that the dealership would charge for a procedure like this, which is why I want to look into doing it myself.

For extra info, the clunking sound has now become even more pronounced when driving, which was expected, considering the "loose" bolt and nut in the bushing.

Hope someone can give me a few more pointers, or just confirm that I'm on the right track.