Removal & Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Loosen right side drive axle shaft wheel hub bolt while vehicle is still standing on its wheels. Remove right front wheel. Remove heat shield for right drive axle.
Remove right drive axle shaft. See AXLE SHAFTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES.

NOTE: Transmission does not need to be supported when only one transmission support is removed.

Fig 1: Removing & Installing Transmission Support (Right Side)

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.

Remove left and right front exhaust pipes. Remove transmission support and heat shield. See Fig 1 .
Prevent drive flange from turning using mandrel and remove center bolt from right drive flange (arrow). See Fig 2 . Place drain pan underneath transaxle to catch spilled fluid. Pull out right drive flange.

Fig 2: Removing Center Bolt From Right Drive Flange
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
Loosen bolts for differential cover in reverse order of tightening sequence shown in illustration (start at 12, finish at 1), and remove differential cover. See Fig 3 .

Fig 3: Removing & Installing Differential Cover Bolts
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
Replace "O" ring (arrow). See Fig 4 .

Fig 4: Locating Differential Cover "O" Ring
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten differential cover bolts in sequence in 2 stages. See Fig 3 . For first stage, tighten bolts (1, 2 and 3) by hand. For second stage, tighten bolts (1 through 12) to 17 ft. lbs. (23 N.m).
Install right transmission support and heat shield. See Fig 1 .
Install axle shaft. See AXLE SHAFTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES. Check final drive fluid level and correct as necessary. See CHECKING FLUID LEVELS under LUBRICATION.