Drive Axle Overview

Drive Axle Overview






1 Outer Constant Velocity (CV) Joint

• Replace only as complete unit.

• Removing, refer to => [ Removing the Outer Constant Velocity (CV) Joint ] Rear Suspension.

• Installing: Drive onto the shaft until impact using a plastic hammer.

2 Bolt

• There are different versions.

• Allocation, refer to the Parts Catalog.

• There are 2 types of twelve point bolts, with and without ribs.

• When installing a twelve point bolt, always check what type of twelve point bolt is to be used.

• Use the correct tightening specification for the specific bolt.

• The tightening specification for a twelve point bolt with ribs is 70 Nm + an additional 90° (1/4) turn. For loosening and tightening specifications. Refer to => [ Drive Axle Bolt Loosening and Tightening, Twelve Point Bolt with Ribs ] Drive Axle Bolt Loosening and Tightening, Twelve Point Bolt with Ribs.

• The tightening specification for a twelve point bolt without ribs is 200 Nm + an additional 180° (1/2). For loosening and tightening specifications, refer to => [ Drive Axle Bolt Loosening and Tightening, Twelve Point Bolt with Ribs ] Drive Axle Bolt Loosening and Tightening, Twelve Point Bolt with Ribs.

• Always replace if removed.

3 Axle Shaft

• Allocation, refer to the Parts Catalog.

4 Clamp

• Always replace if removed.

• Tensioning, refer to => [ Tensioning the Small Diameter Clamp ] Rear Suspension.

5 Outer CV Joint Boot

• Check for tears and scuffing.

• Material: Hytrel (Polyelastomer).

6 Clamp

• Always replace if removed.

• Tensioning, refer to => [ Tightening the Hose Clamp on the Outer CV Joint ] Rear Suspension.

7 Concave Washer

• With inner splines

• Installed position, refer to => [ Installed Position of the Concave Washer on the Inner CV Joint ] Rear Suspension.

8 Lock Ring

• Always replace if removed.

• Insert in the shaft groove.

9 Inner CV Joint Boot

• Material: Hytrel (Polyelastomer).

• Without a ventilation bore.

• Check for tears and scuffing.

• Drive off the CV joint using a drift.

• Before mounting onto the CV joint, coat the sealing surface using sealant (D 454 300 A2).

10 Clamp

• Always replace if removed.

• Tensioning, refer to => [ Tensioning the Small Diameter Clamp ] Rear Suspension.

11 Locking Plate

12 Bolt

• M8 x 48

• 40 Nm

• First tighten to 10 Nm in a diagonal sequence, then tighten to specification in a diagonal sequence.

• After disassembly, always replace the bolts.

13 Circlip

• Always replace if removed.

• Remove and install using circlip pliers (VW 161 A).

14 Gasket

• Always replace if removed.

• The bonding surface on the CV joint must be free of grease and oil!

15 Inner CV Joint

• Replace only as complete unit.

• Pressing off, refer to => [ Removing the Inner CV Joint ] Rear Suspension.

• Pressing on, refer to => [ Pressing on the Inner CV Joint ] Rear Suspension.

• Checking, refer to => [ Inner CV Joint, Checking ] Inner CV Joint, Checking.

16 Concave Washer

• With inner splines.

• Installed position, refer to => [ Installed Position of the Concave Washer on the Inner CV Joint ] Rear Suspension.

Differences Between a twelve Point Bolt With Ribs and a Bolt Without Ribs





The contact surfaces - arrows A and B - are different on the two bolts.

I Twelve point bolt with ribs - arrow A -
II Twelve point bolt without ribs - arrow B -