General information about the rear axle (VW Passat B3)

Rear axle in VW Passat (except for all-wheel drive vehicles) has a suspension of the wheels on longitudinal levers connected to a beam fixed to the body, with an adjustable installation of rubber-metal supports. The bridge beam has a V-shaped profile. Depending on the engine power and the design of the gearbox, a stabilizer is additionally welded. On each side, longitudinal suspension arms are welded to the V-shaped profile of the rear axle. The V-shaped profile also works as a stabilizer and reduces the tilt of the car when turning. The rear axle beam is bolted to the body through divided rubber-metal supports. The special shape of the supports, as well as the location of their two halves relative to each other, have a positive effect on the dynamic properties of the car. When turning, the installation of the rubber-metal supports is corrected and unwanted turning of the bridge is eliminated. The rear axle is suspended using two shock absorber struts, which are screwed to the bridge beam and at the top - to the body.

The rear axle in the VW Passat with all-wheel drive has a semi-trailing arm independent suspension, the rear wheels are driven via cardan shafts from the rear axle differential. This model is discussed here only in the subsection "Removing the shock absorber strut".

Note: Welding and straightening work on the bridge beam is not permitted. All-wheel drive vehicles are not covered in this chapter.