Front Suspension

Drive Axle

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque Wrench (V.A.G 1331)

• Torque Wrench (V.A.G 1332)

Remove drive axle

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

- Loosen outer drive axle joint bolt a maximum of 90° (only loosen with vehicle resting on wheels risk of accident).

- Remove wheel.

- Tighten all five wheel bolts by hand.

- Remove drive axle outer joint bolt.

- Remove drive axle from flange shaft/transmission.

If there is not enough room available to remove drive axle, perform following steps:

- Remove nut - 1 -, remove hex bolt and lift out both control arms - 2 - upward.





The slits in the wheel bearing housing must not be widened using a chisel or similar tool!

• Do not loosen bolts - 3 - and - 4 -, otherwise the adjustment of the front axle will change!

- Swing wheel bearing housing to side.

- Remove drive axle.

Install drive axle

- Insert drive axle in wheel bearing housing.

- Insert both upper control arms, insert new bolt and tighten new nut while tightening, press control arm as far as possible toward wheel bearing housing.

- Fasten drive axle to flange shaft/transmission.

- Fasten drive axle outer joint

• When tightening drive axle outer joint to pre-tightening specification, vehicle must not come in contact with floor; otherwise wheel bearing can be damaged.

A second technician is needed for the next step:

- 1. Technician: Sit in vehicle and operate foot brake

- 2. Technician: Tighten drive axle hex bolt to pre-tightening specification

Hex bolt M14: 115 Nm

Hex bolt M16: 200 Nm

- Install wheel and place vehicle on floor.

- Turn drive axle bolt an additional 180°. (Only turn additional turn on vehicle resting on wheels risk of accident).