Audi A4: Drive Axle, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
Caution
This procedure contains mandatory replaceable parts. Refer to component overview and parts catalog prior to starting procedure.
Mandatory Replacement Parts
- Bolts - Joint to Transmission
- Circlip - Triple Roller Star to Drive Axle
- Bolt - Outer CV Joint to Drive Axle
- Clamp - CV Boot to Outer CV Joint
- Clamp - CV Boot to Drive Axle
- Clamp - CV Boot to Joint
Removing
- Loosen the connection between the drive axle and wheel hub. Refer to → Chapter "Drive Axle Threaded Connection, Loosening and Tightening".
- Remove the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".
- Left drive axle: Remove the subframe shield. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe Shield, Removing and Installing".
- Right drive axle: Remove the subframe shield and move it to the side. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe Shield, Removing and Installing".
- Remove the nuts -1, 3- and remove the drive axle cover -2-.
- Remove the bolts -arrows- that connect the drive axle and flange shaft.
- Remove the drive axle, and do not damage the CV boot and the drive axle coating while doing so.
Installing
Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:
- Tighten the threaded connection between the drive axle and wheel hub. Refer to → Chapter "Drive Axle Threaded Connection, Loosening and Tightening".
Tightening Specifications
- Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Drive Axle"
- Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Subframe"
- Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.66; Wheel Housing Liner; Overview - Front Wheel Housing Liner.
- Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires"
Drive Axle Heat Shield, Removing and Installing
Left Drive Axle Heat Shield
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Right Drive Axle Heat Shield
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Drive Axle Threaded Connection, Loosening and Tightening
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Torque Wrench 80-400Nm -VAG1576-
- Socket AF 24 mm -T10361A-
Loosen the threaded connection between the drive axle and wheel hub
- With vehicle still resting on its wheels, loosen the bolt -arrow- a maximum of 90º using -T10361A-, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged.
- Lift the vehicle just enough so that the wheels are hanging free.
- Apply the brakes (a second technician required).
- Remove the bolt.
Tighten the threaded connection between the drive axle and wheel hub
Note
- Replace bolt after removal.
- Before installing, clean the threads in the CV joint/stub axle with a thread tap.
- Wheels must not yet touch the ground when tightening the drive axle/stub shaft or the wheel bearing can be damaged.
- Apply the brakes (a second technician required).
- Tighten the bolt to 200 Nm.
- Set the vehicle on its wheels.
- Tighten the bolt an additional 180º.
READ NEXT:
Drive Axle, Disassembling and Assembling
Drive Axle, Disassembling and Assembling, Triple Roller Joint AAR 2600 i
and AAR 3300 i
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Press Plate -VW401-
Press Plate -VW402-
Press Piece - Rod -VW
CV Joint, Servicing
Outer CV Joint, Removing
- Clamp the drive axle in a vise with protective covers.
- Open both clamps and remove the CV boot from the outer
joint.
- Drive out the CV joint from the driv
Outer CV Joint, Checking
It is necessary to disassemble the joint whenever replacing
the grease or if the ball surfaces show wear or damage.
Disassembling
- Mark the position of the ball hub -2-
to ball cage -3- and to
SEE MORE:
Front seats
General information
Make sure that:
You can press the pedals down completely
while your legs are slightly bent
The distance between your upper body and the
steering wheel or instrument panel is at least
10 inches (25 cm)
The distance between your knees and the instrument
panel is at least 4
Tires and vehicle load limits
There are limits to the amount of
load or weight that any vehicle
and any tire can carry. A vehicle
that is overloaded will not handle well and is more difficult to stop.
Overloading can not only lead to
loss of vehicle control, but can also
damage important parts of the
vehicle and can lead to sudd
