Driveshaft, Removing and Installing: Removing

NOTE:

The driveshaft can only be removed from the rear final drive in the control position.

Place vehicle on a hoist → Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels .
Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).

Fig 1: Wheel Hex Bolt

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Loosen collar bolt - arrow - only 90 , otherwise wheel bearing will be damaged

CAUTION: When loosening and tightening collar bolt, vehicle must stand on wheels.

-risk of accident-

Remove wheel.
Install all 5 wheel bolts and tighten by hand.
Engage electrical parking brake.
Remove collar bolt.

If electrical parking brake cannot be engaged, a second technician is needed for this step:

1. Technician: Sit in vehicle and operate brake pedal.
2. Technician: Remove the driveshaft collar bolt.

If collar bolt is loose or removed, wheel bearings must not be loaded.

If bearings are loaded by the vehicles own weight the wheel bearing will be damaged. The wheel bearings will be stressed and the life expectancy reduced.

If a vehicle that has a drive axle removed is to be moved, an outer CV joint must be installed in place of the drive axle and be tightened to 200 Nm. Otherwise, the wheel bearing will be damaged.

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Combi-Bolts & Trapezoidal Control Arm

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove combi-bolts - 2 - and cover.
Remove bolts - 1 -.

Fig 3: Brake Caliper Wiring Harness Connector & Connector

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Remove brake caliper wiring harness connector - 1 - from retainer and disconnect it.
Remove brake caliper and secure it on the body → 46 - BRAKES - MECHANICAL COMPONENTS .

NOTE:

Secure brake caliper to body with wire.
Do not allow brake caliper to hang from brake line.

Remove brake pads from brake carrier.

Fig 4: Coupling Bolt & Brake Line Bracket

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Disconnect threaded connection - 1 - between coupling rod and trapezoidal control arm and remove brake line bracket - 2 -.
Fold coupling rod back.

NOTE:

The driveshaft can only be removed from the rear final drive in the control position.

Remove air spring damper on the transverse link and tilt it back (control position) → Wheel Bearing Housing, Raising to Control Position to Tighten Bolts .

Fig 5: Removing Bracket Bolt From Retainer And Wheel Hub

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Remove bracket bolt - 1 - from retainer and rotate the bracket - 1 - forward.
With wheel bearing housing raised, press the exhaust pipe down slightly - arrow B - and slide driveshaft - 2 - inward - arrow A - far enough so the wheel hub can be removed.
Lower wheel bearing housing over engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A.

Fig 6: Pulling Driveshaft Back Between Stabilizer Bar And Trapezoidal Control Arm And Removing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Pull driveshaft back diagonally between stabilizer bar - 1 - and trapezoidal control arm - 2 - and remove - arrow -.