Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual - part 568

- Remove valve insert. 

- Inflate tire to approx. 3 to 4 bar, the tire bead must be 
audibly slid over the hump of the wheel rim. 

- Install valve insert. 

- Correct inflation pressure to prescribed specification. 

- Balance wheel. 

Wheels, tires

44 - 5

  

Wheel alignment

 

General

 

The vehicle alignment should be measured using VW 
approved wheel alignment equipment! 

We recommend that the front and rear axles are measured 
when performing alignment measurements. 

Otherwise correct vehicle performance is not guaranteed 
and an off center steering wheel may exist. 

Note: 

n

Perform vehicle alignment only after 1000-2000 km 
(600-1200 miles) to allow suspension time to settled.   

 

n

The individual specifications should be followed as 
exactly as possible when making adjustments.  

 

If the installation position of rear axle and the direction of 
travel of vehicle is not taken into account an off-center 
steering wheel may occur.

Steering wheel and steering column are marked.

These positions must not be changed!

A - Marked line on steering wheel 

B - Punch mark on steering column 

Otherwise the center position of the steering rack cannot be 
guaranteed.

Vehicles with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)

If the steering wheel is off-center, the basic setting for 
the steering angle sensor must be checked. 

⇒ Perform 

basic setting in "Guided Fault Finding" with the VAS 

Wheel alignment

 

5051. 

 

48-4, 

. 

Steering columns supplied as a spare part do not have a 
center punch mark.

After wheel alignment and following test drive the steering 
column must be marked.

Wheel alignment is necessary when:

 

n

The vehicle handles poorly.  

 

n

Components were damaged and have been replaced.  

 

n

Axle components were removed.  

 

n

Tire wear patterns are uneven.  

 

Front axle component 

changed

Wheel alignment 

check required

Rear axle component 

changed

Wheel alignment 

check required

 

Yes

No

 

Yes

No

Lower control arm

X

 

Shock absorber

 

X

Wheel bearing housing

X

 

Coil spring

 

X

Tie rod/tie rod end

X

 

Torsion beam axle, 
complete

X

 

Steering gear

X

 

Subframe

X

 

Subframe

X

 

Lower control arm/  
Upper control arm/ 

X

 

Shock absorber

X

 

Trailing arm 

X

 

Requirements:

 

n

Check suspension, wheel bearing, steering and 
steering linkage for excessive play and damage.   

 

n

Tire tread depth difference of no more than 2 mm on 
an axle.  

 

n

Tires inflated to correct pressure  

 

n

Vehicle unladen  

 

Fuel tank must be full

Spare wheel and vehicle tools are stowed at correct 
installation locations.

The fluid reservoir for the windshield/headlight washer 
system must be full.

n

Make sure that the sliding plates and turn tables 

Wheel alignment

(alignment equipment) are not touching the end stop 
when checking wheel alignment.  

 

Caution!  

 

The test equipment must be properly adjusted and 
attached to the vehicle; observe manufacturers 
operating instructions.

Adhere to manufacturer of your vehicle alignment 
equipment for training as required. 

Vehicle alignment platforms and vehicle alignment 
units/vehicle alignment computers can lose their calibration 
over a period of time.

Vehicle alignment platforms and vehicle alignment 
units/vehicle alignment computers should be checked 
and if necessary adjusted within the framework of an 
inspection/maintenance at least once a year!

- Treat these highly sensitive units carefully and 
conscientiously! 

Measurement preparations

 

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required 

n

Brake pedal depressor V.A.G1869/2  

 

The lateral run-out of the wheel must be compensated 
for. Otherwise the result of the measurement will be 
incorrect.

If the lateral run-out compensation is not performed it 
is not possible to adjust the toe correctly!

When doing this observe the information from the 
manufacturer of the wheel alignment unit.

- Carry out wheel run-out compensation. 

- Lower vehicle and bounce springs. 

- Install brake pedal loading device V.A.G1869/2 . 

- Actuate brake pedal with brake pedal loading device. 

Vehicle trim height "Zero position" 

Applies in principle!

If a value lies outside the tolerance, the vehicles trim height 
must be checked first.

Wheel alignment