Rear Suspension (AWD)

Drive axles, removing and Installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

^ Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1
^ Adapter V.A.G 1752/9
^ Spring holder A4, rear axle V.A.G 1752/16
^ Torque wrench V.A.G 1331
^ Torque wrench V.A.G 1332





Removing

- Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).





- Only loosen collar bolt - arrow - 90 degrees, otherwise wheel bearing is damaged.

CAUTION!
When loosening and tightening collar bolt, vehicle must stand on wheels.

- risk of accident -

- Remove wheel.
- Install all 4 wheel bolts hand-tight.
- Engage parking brake.
- Remove collar bolt - arrow -.
- Remove coil spring Go To Rear coil spring .





- Remove combi-bolts - 2 - and cover.
- Remove bolts - 1 -.
- Raise trapezoidal control arm with hand until drive axle can be taken forward out of flange shaft/transmission.





- Press exhaust pipe downward slightly - arrow A - and slide driveshaft inward - arrow B - until it can be removed from wheel hub.
- Press exhaust pipe down again slightly and guide drive axle outward over cover plate.





- Remove drive axle downward - arrow A -.

Note:
^ Ensure cover plate - arrow B - and body are not damaged.

Installing

Note:
^ Replace bolts and self-locking nuts.

Installation is in reverse order of removal.

- Insert drive axle from below and slide into wheel hub up to stop.





- Align drive axle holes and flange shaft/transmission holes with each other, install bolts - 1 - and tighten, (100 mm dia.).
- Insert cover, install combi-bolts - 2 - and tighten.
- Install coil spring.
- Install new collar bolt and tighten to specified torque without turning any farther.
- Mount wheel and tighten.
- Lower vehicle onto its wheels.
- Tighten collar bolt to specified additional turn angle.