Subframe Panel Install
Tools Required:
Antisieze
Small wire brush for cleaning internal threads (preferred, not required)
Ratchet
13 mm socket
5mm Allen Key
4mm Allen Key
This install applied to MK7/7.5 GTI, R, Jetta, GLI.
Steel and Aluminum subframes
Last updated: August 17. 2023
1. Clean out the threads in the subframe at these 3 locations (red arrow). Spray with WD-40 or PB blaster. Use a wire brush to clean out any road grime and rust/corrosion.
Alternatively - apply anti-sieze on the gold hex head bolt and run the bolt all the way in, then remove to ensure the threads are cleaned out all the way through the subframe.
Do this by hand with a ratchet (not a drill) to ensure you are not stripping the threads in the subframe!
2. Hold the rear bracket up to the subframe. The round notch will be on the driver side, towards the rear of the car.
3. Install an M8 flange head bolt into the center slot of the rear bracket, then place a black spacer on the other side, and thread it into the center subframe hole by hand. Leave this loose for now.
4. Repeat for the other 2 subframe holes. Install an M8 bolt, with spacer between the bracket and subframe. Thread in these loosely as well. They will be tightened in a later step.
5. Check if your splitter blade has holes in the rear edge.
All V3 blades will have these holes. Some V2 blades will have these holes depending on mfg. date. V4 blades will not have them.
If your blade does not have these holes along the rear edge - see this page for details how mark and drill the appropriate holes.
6. On V3 blades remove the "L" bracket, by unbolting the 9 bolts holding it onto the blade.
V2 & V4 blades do not have this bracket.
7. Hold the front bracket in place, it only fits in one orientation. The rivet nuts face up, and the bracket should angle down towards the ground and rear of the car.
8. Thread in the M6 flange or flat head bolts (we include both) to hold this front bracket in place. Install each one loosely, and once all of them are installed, tighten them. Thread them in by hand with an allen key. Once they bottom out, turn an additional 90 degrees (no torque spec).
9. Lift the panel into place. The two Naca ducts that are close together should be on the passenger side. The molded Naca duct should be facing the oil pan. Thread in the center bolt on the front bracket.
Then install the center bolt on the rear bracket. The rear bracket can be shifted left or right to align the bolt holes.
10. Slide the panel all the way forward so it is touching the splitter blade. Install the remaining M6 flange head bolts that attach the panel to the splitter blade bracket.
11. Loosely thread in the rear bolts from the panel to the bracket. Shift the rear bracket left/right if needed to align the holes.
Now tighten the M8 bolts holding the bracket onto the subframe. Once the bracket is pulled up tight to the subframe, turn 180 degrees past that point. This will begin to squeeze the plastic spacer to prevent rattling (No torque spec).
12. If you are installing just the front panel, the M6 bolts can all be fully installed now. DONE!
If you are installing the rear panel as well, remove the three M6 bolts from the panel that hold it onto the rear bracket. Support the panel so it does not bend.
13. Slide the rear panel onto the rear bracket, above the front panel. It should be sandwiched between the front panel, and rear bracket. Thread in the center bolt on the rear panel.
14. Thread in the center rear bolt on the front panel. The remaining holes should now line up. Thread in the last 4 bolts on the outer edge.
15. Go back and recheck all of the M6 bolts to ensure they are tight.
DONE!