Get Running gear Guide for Volkswagen Polo SUV Sixth Generation (2017-2021)

Running gear

Running gear and driver assist systems at a glance

This overview explains the most important standard and optional running gear equipment.

The Polo can be fitted with a normal, a heavy-duty, a sports running gear or a “Sport Select” running gear. 

The driver can choose between the “Sport” and “Normal” characteristic curves via the driving mode selection for

the “Sport Select” running gear. The rear axle is equipped with disc brakes or drum brakes according to the

engine installed. The Polo is also equipped with new driver assist systems.

Running gear

•

McPherson strut front suspension

Torsion beam rear axle

Mechanical parking brake

Floating caliper disc brakes at front

Self-adjusting Simplex drum brakes at rear

Rear disc brakes

14"–18" wheel rims with tyre diameter 630 mm

Electromechanical power steering (C-EPS), integrated

steering angle sender

•

ABS/ESC Bosch ESC 9.2

You will find further information on the “Sport Select” running gear in Self-study Programme

533 “The Polo 2015”.

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Driver assist systems

•

Area monitoring system (Front Assist) with

-

City Emergency Braking System

Pedestrian Monitoring

•

ACC Adaptive Cruise Control

Blind Spot Monitor with

-

Parking space departure assistant 

(Rear Traffic Alert)

•

Park assist steering PLA 3.0

Manoeuvre braking feature, front and rear

Parking distance warning PDC with

Manoeuvre braking feature, rear

-

•

Reversing camera (Rear View)

Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, TPLI+

Multicollision brake

Driver Alert System DAS

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You will find more information in Self-Study Programmes

no. 543 “The Passat 2015 – Driver Assist Systems” and

no. 536 “The Golf SV” (Blind Spot Monitor).

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Running gear

Electromechanical power steering

The electromechanical power steering system provides steering assistance via an electric motor on the steering

column. The electromechanical power steering system is compatible with all engine/gearbox combinations.

The steering consists of the following components:

1. Steering wheel

1

2. Steering column switch

3. Steering column

3

4. Steering moment sender G269

5. Worm gear

2

7

6. Electromechanical power steering motor V187

7. Power steering control unit J500

8. Universal joint shaft

9. Mechanical steering rack

10.Steering angle sender G85 integrated into

worm gear

4

6

5

8

10

9

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Front axle

The front axle uses McPherson struts. This suspension system features a transverse link below the centre of the

wheel, a suspension strut and a track rod. The transverse links are each connected to the subframe via two

rubber/metal bushings. On the road, this axle design is characterised by high level of ride comfort and good

driving safety. The advantages of the McPherson axle are low unsprung masses, a large support base, low forces

and a compact design. The design has been further optimised in terms of weight compared with the previous

model.

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Rear axle

The torsion beam rear axle is an enhancement of the familiar rear axle from the previous model. It is equipped

with disc brakes or drum brakes according to the engine fitted.

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Bosch ESC 9.2 brake system

The main features are:

•

Emergency hazard warning flashing during hard

braking

Faster pressure build-up for pedestrian detection

and ACC regulation

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ACC Stop & Go function

In conjunction with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG), the vehicle is braked until it comes to a stop when following a

vehicle. For the first time, the Polo can pull away again within three seconds if equipped with a mechanical

parking brake. If you engage the brake while the car is stationary and ACC is active, ACC will remain active. As

soon as the vehicle in front pulls away, the Polo will follow it when you release the brake pedal.

It follows the traffic at the preset time interval and does not exceed the previously set desired speed.

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Running gear

Drum brakes

The drum brakes on the Polo are Simplex brakes in principle. Simplex brakes are the simplest and most frequently

used type of drum brake. You will find them on vehicles ranging from bicycles to heavy lorries. 

There is one self-energising brake shoe and one self-locking brake shoe. This means that the braking efficiency is

the same when you are driving forwards and when you are reversing. The brake shoes are actuated by a central

brake cylinder and are mounted in a support bearing at the other end. The brake shoes are actuated by a brake

cylinder. The brake cylinder is hydraulically operated and produces equal forces in both directions. The clearance

(distance between brake drum and brake pad) was previously always adjusted by a spring-loaded wedge. A

temperature-dependent adjuster mechanism for the clearance is now fitted in the Polo.

Dust caps

Brake cylinder

Return spring

Brake shoe

Retaining pin

Automatic

adjuster

Spring plate

Brake lever

Brake lining

Lower support bearing

Return spring

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Design of temperature-dependent adjuster mechanism

As the brake linings wear, the distance (clearance) from the brake drum increases. 

The temperature-dependent adjuster mechanism keeps this distance constant. When the brake linings are

moved against the spring force of the return springs, the shape of the locking spring will cause the adjuster to

turn towards the outside. The locking spring and the return gear stop the adjuster from turning back. The locking

spring engages in the next tooth flank. In this way, the clearance between the brake lining and the brake drum

remains constant.

Fork head

Locking spring

Adjuster body

Circlip

Adjuster with fork fixture

Locking element

Thermal clip (bimetallic)

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Return gear and locking spring engaged

Locking spring

Return gear

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Running gear

How the temperature-dependent adjuster mechanism works

The brakes heat up when operated and the components expand. The thermal clip (bimetallic) is used as a locking

element to prevent the automatic clearance adjustment being too large due to heat expansion.

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Thermal clip

Locking element

Thermal clip in “initial position”

Thermal clip in “engaged position”

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The thermal clip changes its position when heated

and engages in the locking element. The adjuster mechanism cannot turn (be adjusted) when the thermal clip is

engaged.

When the thermal clip and the brake components cool down, it will disengage from the locking element. The

return springs pull the brake shoes back into their original position. Adjustment is possible again once the brake

components have cooled down.

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Front radar sensor

A front radar sensor from Continental is installed in the Polo for the area monitoring system and ACC. In the past,

pedestrian detection could only be reliably guaranteed when a radar sensor and front camera were combined.

The radar sensor can now detect pedestrians on its own. This has been achieved through faster processor speeds,

improved detection, evaluation and differentiation between individual objects. The accuracy has also improved

significantly. The radar sensor can be calibrated statically and also dynamically.

Manufacturer:

Frequency:

Continental

77 GHz

500 MHz

140 m

no

Bandwidth:

Range:

Sensor heater unit:

Calibration:

yes

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Static calibration:

The static calibration on the wheel alignment stand

is carried out using the vehicle diagnostic tester and

the corresponding test program. The radar sensor is

calibrated using a calibration board VAS 6430/10

that is aligned with the driving axis.

Dynamic calibration:

The radar sensor is calibrated automatically during a

calibration drive. The dynamic calibration is

performed during a calibration drive lasting a

maximum of 10 minutes.

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Please refer to the Workshop Manual and

the test plan in the vehicle diagnostic

tester for information on calibration.

You will find further information on static

and dynamic calibration under

Volkswagen TV “Tiguan 2017 –

Calibration of adaptive cruise control”

from 20 January 2017.

35

Running gear for Your Volkswagen Polo SUV Sixth Generation (2017-2021)

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