Drive Axle

Drive Axle

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Ball joint puller (3287 A)

• Vehicle Diagnostic, Testing and Information System (VAS 5051B)

Removing





- Determine dimension - a - from the center of the wheel to the lower edge of the wheel housing before starting work while the vehicle is resting on its wheels.

- Loosen the connection between the drive axle and wheel hub. Refer to => [ Threaded Connection Between Drive Axle and Wheel Hub, Loosening and Tightening ] Threaded Connection Between Drive Axle and Wheel Hub, Loosening and Tightening.

- Remove the ball pins - 1 - on vehicles with the level control system sensor.





- Remove the drive axle from the transmission flange - arrows -.





- Remove bolt - 1 -.





- Loosen tie rod end nut - 1 - but do not remove it.





- Press off track rod ball joint from wheel bearing housing using (3287A) and now unscrew nut.

- Loosen the lower transverse link nut - 1 - but do not remove it.





- Press the lower transverse link off the wheel bearing housing using the (3287A) and remove the nut.

- Tip the wheel bearing housing outward while pressing the drive axle out of the wheel bearing unit with a brass drive (possibly tapping lightly).

- Remove drive axle.

Installing

Installation is the reverse of removal, with special attention to the following:

• Bonded rubber bearings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension bolts when vehicle is in curb weight or control position.

• Wheel bearing, lifting to curb weight position on vehicles with coil springs, refer to => [ Wheel Bearing, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Front Suspension.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Lower Transverse Link with Retaining Bracket, Stabilizer Bar, Coupling Rod and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview ] Lower Transverse Link With Retaining Bracket, Stabilizer Bar, Coupling Rod and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Drive Axle Assembly Overview, with Outer Constant Velocity Joint � 70 mm and Inner Constant Velocity Joint � 86 mm ] Drive Axle Assembly Overview, With Outer Constant Velocity Joint 70 mm and Inner Constant Velocity Joint 86 mm.

- Tighten the drive axle to wheel hub threaded connection. Refer to => [ Threaded Connection Between Drive Axle and Wheel Hub, Loosening and Tightening ] Threaded Connection Between Drive Axle and Wheel Hub, Loosening and Tightening.

- On vehicles with electronically-controlled damping (Audi magnetic ride), reprogram the control position using the (VAS 5051B).