Drive Axle Assembly Overview

Drive Axle Assembly Overview






1 Outer CV Joint

• Replace only as complete unit.

• Removing, refer to => [ Outer CV Joint, Pressing Off ] Rear Suspension.

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

2 Bolt

• Various versions.


• There are 2 types of twelve-point bolts, with and without ribs. Distinguishing characteristic, refer to => [ Differences Between a Twelve-Point Bolt with Ribs and a Twelve-Point Bolt 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 + 90° turn. For loosening and tightening specifications, refer to => [ Drive Axle Twelve-Point Bolt with Ribs, Loosening and Tightening ] Drive Axle Twelve-Point Bolt with Ribs, Loosening and Tightening.

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

• Always replace if removed.

3 Drive Axle

4 Clamp

• Always replace if removed.

• Tensioning, refer to => [ Tensioning clamp on small diameter ] Rear Suspension.

5 Protective Boot

• Check for tears and scuffing.

• Material: Hytrel (Polyelastomer).

6 Clamp

• Always replace if removed.

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

7 Dished Washer

• With inner splines.

• Installed position, refer to => [ Dished Washer Installation Position, Inner and Outer Joint ] Rear Suspension.

8 Securing Ring

• Always replace if removed.

• Insert in shaft groove.

9 CV Boot

• Material: Hytrel (Polyelastomer)

• Without ventilation bore.

• Check for tears and scuffing.

• Drive off CV joint using drift.

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

10 Clamp

• Always replace if removed.

• Tensioning, refer to => [ Tensioning clamp on small diameter ] Rear Suspension.

11 Backing Plate

12 Bolt

• M8 x 48

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

• 40 Nm

• Always replace bolts after disassembly.

13 Securing Ring

• Always replace if removed.

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

14 Gasket

• Always replace if removed.

• Bonding surface on 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 Inner CV Joint ] Rear Suspension.

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

16 Dished Washer

• With inner splines.

• Installed position, refer to => [ Dished Washer Installation Position, Inner and Outer Joint ] Rear Suspension.

Differences Between a Twelve-Point Bolt with Ribs and a Twelve-Point Bolt without Ribs





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

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