Drive Axle Bolt Loosening and Tightening, Twelve Point Bolt with Ribs

Drive Axle Bolt Loosening and Tightening, Twelve Point Bolt with Ribs

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Socket 24 mm (T10361)

• Digital Torque Wrench (V.A.G 1756)

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 -

The wheel bearing must not be under a load while the drive axle bolt on the wheel side is loose.

If the wheel bearings are under the load of the vehicle weight, the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings.

The drive axle bolt may be loosened a maximum of 90° when the vehicle is sitting on its wheels.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If a vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:

• Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.

• Tighten the outer joint to 120 Nm.

Loosening

- With the vehicle still sitting on its wheels, loosen the 12 point bolt using the Socket 24 mm (T10361) a maximum of 90°, otherwise, the wheel bearing will be damaged.

- Raise the vehicle enough that the wheels hang freely.

- Press the brake pedal (second mechanic required).

- Remove the twelve point bolt - arrow -.






Tightening

- Replace the twelve point bolt.

• The wheels must not yet touch the ground to tighten the drive axle bolt, the wheel bearing may otherwise be damaged.

- Press the brake pedal (second mechanic required).

- Tighten the twelve point bolt to 70 Nm.

- Lower the vehicle onto the ground.

- Tighten the twelve point bolt an additional 90° (1/4) turn.