Golf 3 Track Width: Specs & Dimensions

Hello,

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with standard manufacturing tolerances.

But?

Is it possible that the rear axle of a Volkswagen Golf 3 has an offset of 5-7mm, meaning the left wheel protrudes approximately 6mm more from the wheel arch than the right?

A workshop technician from an independent repair shop says: 'Typical Volkswagen.'

The wheels are properly mounted, meaning the threaded connection points have been carefully cleaned.
The wheel bearings aren't worn out to that extent either.
I can also rule out a 'curb kiss,' as the track width and camber are correct.

Does anyone else experience this phenomenon with other models and manufacturers?

Thank you very much.

Tobi.

"I think calling it 'typical VW' is the biggest nonsense I've ever heard. I would have told them something about that. Either the Golf had an accident at some point, or someone messed with the axle."

You can actually move the axis slightly to the side, so you can adjust its position. To do this, simply loosen the screws on the axis and reposition it correctly.

On the Seat Toledo 1L, one of the rear wheels is positioned further out than the other, by about 5mm. I can't say for sure which wheel is more outward.

Best regards,
Thomas

My friend's Golf 3 GTI 20 Years Edition (manufactured in 1996).

Exactly the same problem (phenomenon?). I laughed at him when he told me about it, until I saw it with my own eyes. Afterwards, we checked everything on stage - but the car was in perfect condition... so we just left it and didn't try to think about it anymore. I believe it still gave HIM a few sleepless nights.

arne

Thank you, Arne.

It helps me to know that another Golf (also a 20-year-old GTI) has this quirk. I've also had a few sleepless nights because of it.

Best regards,

Tobi.

Oh, is yours a 'Jubi' too?

Perhaps it's coming from the positive axis that they installed...?

arne

No, that can't come from the front axle. The front axle is only mounted at the front. There is no front axle at the rear. In the Golf Mk5, the different bolt pattern is achieved using a different brake disc. Otherwise, the axles are identical; the VR6 version just has stronger stabilizer bars.
However, the positive axis is different at the front.
But that this would be a general problem for Volkswagen is something new to me.
My two Golfs didn't have this problem.

I also thought that the rear axle of the 'Plus' chassis was structurally identical to the standard chassis, except for (and this is certain) the material thickness (probably 6mm instead of 5mm sheet metal).
But the track width seems narrower than standard. Is that due to the 5-hole mounting pattern?
By the way, this 20-year-old car has a VR6 engine and comes with features like front disc brakes and stabilizer bars.

Sicher das die hinten wirklich schmaler ist? Sure, go ahead.
The Jubis and all vehicles with a positive offset had a different offset (ET) than vehicles without a positive offset, at least when equipped with standard aluminum rims.

I am quite certain that the axle is narrower, but I offer no guarantee.
Interestingly, it's also narrower than the front axle.

But you had said that the axle could be adjusted by simply unscrewing it, shifting it, and then tightening it back up.

Can this be easily accomplished on stage, or does the axle need to be removed, the wheels taken off, etc.?

The rear axle itself is only attached with 6 screws, specifically to the bearing housings of the axle. As far as I know, there are elongated holes in those areas. That's why you can shift the axle slightly. Incidentally, this is the only adjustment option for the rear axle. Neither toe-in nor camber can be adjusted there. The other two attachment points are simply at the shock absorbers. Normally, you should be able to do it like this: get it on a lift, loosen the screws slightly, and see if anything moves. Of course, be careful; otherwise, the axle will practically fall off if you completely remove those 6 screws.