Drivetrain - Rear Axle Shaft Leak At Differential

42 Rear axle shaft leaks at differential - S4 and S5 with quattro sports rear differential (PR - PDU, PDR, or GH2)

42 13 17

2026049/8

March 18, 2013

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 42 number 12-14 dated October 5, 2012 for reasons listed below.





Vehicle Information








Condition

Oil leak in the area of the Quattro sports rear differential (PR-PDU, PDR, or GH2) side flange or axle shaft inboard flange.

Technical Background





Insufficient sealant on the protective cap on the inboard constant velocity joint at the rear differential on vehicles with a sports differential. The table lists PR codes that identify vehicles with a rear sports differential.

Production Solution

Optimized use of sealer in production from 07/10/2011.

Service

1. Inspect the rear inner CV joints where they connect to the rear sports differential:

^ If there is oil sweating or residue, do not make any repairs. If there are clear oil drips, proceed to step 2.

2. Determine source of the fluid:

^ Grease used in the drive shaft CV joints is almost odorless. If the fluid does not have any odor, proceed to step 3.

^ Differential fluid has a pungent smell. If the fluid has a pungent smell, this TSB does not apply.

3. Replace the affected drive shaft per instructions in ELSA Web: Chassis >> Suspension, Wheel, Steering >> Rear Suspension >> Removal and Installation.

Tip:
It is not necessary to replace both drive shafts if only one drive shaft is affected by this condition.





Warranty





Required Parts and Tools

Additional Information

All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.