Drive axles, Removing and Installing

Drive axles, removing and installing

Special Tools and Equipment





^ VAG1383 A engine and transmission jack

Note: Never move vehicles without drive axle installed, otherwise wheel bearing damage will result. Should it become necessary to move the vehicle, always heed the following:

^ Install an outer joint instead of drive axle.
^ Tighten outer joint to 115 Nm (M14 bolt) or 190 Nm (M16 bolt).

Removing

^ Only loosen collar bolt 90°, otherwise wheel bearing will be damaged.

WARNING: Vehicle must be standing on Its wheels when loosening and tightening collar bolt.
^ Risk of accident-

^ Remove wheel.
^ Secure brake disc using all wheel bolts.
^ Remove collar bolt
^ Unscrew hex bolt for drive axle.





^ Remove heat shield for drive axle (arrows).
^ Unscrew drive axle from joint flange.





^ Remove socket-head bolt -1-.
^ Remove ABS wheel speed sensor -2- from wheel bearing housing.
^ Loosen exhaust system in back, and secure to body





^ Put in wheel carrier with VAG1 383 A
^ Pound drive axle out of wheel hub with plastic hammer, if necessary.
^ Remove drive axle.

Installing
Installation is reverse of removal.

Tightening torques:
M14, drive axle to wheel hub 115 Nm + 180°

Use new bolt!
M16, drive axle to wheel hub 190 Nm + 180°

Use new bolt!
M8, drive axle to joint flange 40 Nm
M10, drive axle to joint flange 70 Nm
Bolts for heat shield 25 Nm

Assembly notes
Vehicle must not contact ground when tightening outer joint of drive axle
A second technician is required for the following work step:
^ Technician 1: Sits in vehicle and operates foot brake
^ Technician 2: Tightens the hex bolt for drive axle
Hex bolt M 14: 115 Nm
Hex bolt M 16: 190 Nm

^ Mount wheel.
^ Tighten hex bolt for drive axle. Only tighten when vehicle is standing on its wheels: to avoid risk of accident.
Hex bolt plus additional 180°0 (1/4 turn).