Axle Shafts, Removing and Installing

Special tools and equipment
- 3283 Press tool
- VAG 1756 Angle wrench
- VW 408A Press tool
- VW 402 Press plate
- VW401 Press plate
- VW 522 Support sleeve
- 40-204A Tensioner

Removing
Ensure wheel bearings are not loaded with 12-point nuts loose.
If bearings are loaded by vehicles weight and 12-point nuts are loose wheel bearings will be stressed and their life expectancy reduced.
If a vehicle is moved after removing axle shaft, first install outer joint and tighten to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
- Lift vehicle to relieve load on front axle.
- Loosen 12-point nut.
- Disconnect axle shaft from transmission drive flange.
- -Mark bolt installation position.





- Remove bolts (arrows).





- Press axle shaft out.

NOTE:
- When pressing axle shaft ensure sufficient clearance is available.
- Do not allow drive axle to hang by inner CV or triple-rotor joint to avoid damaging bearing surfaces. Tie drive axle to stabilizer bar or other suspension component if it is to remain attached to drive flange.
- Do not flex inner CV or triple-rotor joint more than 25 degrees from its original angle.

- Remove axle shaft.

The following sequence applies to automatic transmission vehicles only





- Remove bolts (arrows).
- Remove left noise insulation if equipped.





- Push engine/transmission assembly forward with pry bar.
- Remove triple roller joint axle shaft.
(Arrow points forward)

Installing
Remove paint residue and/or corrosion on outer joint splines.
- Coat with oil before installing axle shaft:
- Splines of outer joint
- Thread of outer joint
- Wheel hub splines
- Contact surface and thread of twelve-point nut
- Install axle shaft.
- Install outer joint, in as far as possible.
- Connect ball joint to control arm with new bolts on old marks.

NOTE: Torque ball joint to control arm: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 90° further.

- Install inner joint to axle shaft.

Tightening torque
M8 x 18: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 90°
M8 x 28: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 90°
M8 x 48: 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 90°
M10 x 23: 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.) + 45°
M10 x 52: 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.) + 45°

- Bolt pendulum support to sub-frame and tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten outer joint until outer joint comes in contact with wheel bearing.





- Install wheels and tighten lug bolts to 120 Nm (89 ft. lbs.).
- Lower the vehicle.

NOTE: To tighten 12-point nut use wrench VAG 1756:

- -Tighten 12 point nut to 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.) and loosen 1/2 turn.
- -Tighten 12 point nut to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.) + turn an additional 60°.

If wrench is not available, 12-point nut can be tightened as follows.
- Tighten 12-point nut to 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.) + loosen 1/2 turn (180°).





- Mark point on nut with line (arrow A).
- Mark 2nd line (arrow B) on edge of wheel hub 60° from first point.
- Tighten 12-point nut until points A and B align.