W/Automatic Transmission

Fig. 5 Exploded View Of Rear Axle Assembly:

Fig. 6 Axle Bolt Locations. V8 Quattro w/automatic Transmission & 100/200 Quattro:

Refer to Fig. 5 during replacement procedures.
1. Remove rear wheels, then the rear exhaust system.
2. Remove heat deflector plate, then scribe propeller shaft and differential flange for alignment during reassembly.
3. Remove propeller shaft to differential flange attaching bolts, then disconnect propeller shaft, raise up and tie into position with wire. Position propeller shaft only high enough for clearance to remove axle, to prevent damage to universal joint.
4. Remove left axle shaft cover plate, then remove right and left axle shaft to differential flange attaching bolts. Disconnect axle shafts and tie out of way with wire.
5. Disconnect right and left parking brake cables from brake calipers, then at front.
6. Support axle with transmission jack VAG 1383 or equivalent, then insert jack support.
7. Loosen nut a, Fig. 6, then remove three bolts (arrows).
8. Remove bolts for crossmember, then lower axle carefully.
9. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Propeller shaft and differential flanges must be installed so that scribe marks are aligned.
b. Prior to installing exhaust system and heat deflector plate, adjust propeller shaft, refer to Transmission and Drivetrain/Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints/Drive/Propeller Shaft/Adjustments.
c. Align exhaust system so that parts are free of tension, prior to tightening.
d. Tighten nuts and bolts to specifications.