Driveshaft, Mounted On Transmission Side, Removing And Installing: Removing

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

NOTE:

The attached driveshaft can only be separated from the transmission if it is completely removed.

Perform work on driveshaft on a two-column shop hoist if possible.

After removing the driveshaft from the rear final drive, tie up the shaft ends or hold them up.

The driveshaft can be bent all the way to the center joint without force. Bending the joint forcibly all the way can damage the center joint and/or the protective boot.

Always remove or install the driveshaft horizontally from the transmission output shaft.

Fig 1: Exhaust System Clamping Sleeves

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CAUTION:

Risk of damaging the coupling elements.

Do not bend the coupling more than 10°.
Do not load the coupling.
Do not damage the wire mesh on the coupling.

-- Loosen the clamping sleeves -1 and 2- and slide them to the rear.

-- Tie the front muffler or the left and right front exhaust pipe to the underbody.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the driveshaft heat shield -1- (if equipped).

Fig 2: Driveshaft Heat Shield - Tightening Specification

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-- Cut the clamp -1- for the driveshaft boot and remove it.

Fig 3: Driveshaft Boot Hose Clamp

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NOTE:

Ignore item -2-.

Audi A6 and A7

Fig 4: Identifying Crossbrace

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-- Remove the crossbrace -2-. Refer to OVERVIEW - TUNNEL BRACE .

Audi A4, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabrio, A8

Fig 5: Identifying Heat Shield, Front And Rear Crossmembers

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-- Remove the front crossmember -2- and the rear crossmember -3-. Refer to OVERVIEW - TUNNEL BRACE .

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the heat shield -1-.

-- Lower the front of the exhaust system rear section and then secure it using the Transmission Support VW785/1B, as illustrated.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool VW 785/1 B

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-- Make sure there is a mark (color dot) on the driveshaft and on the rear final drive driveshaft flange -arrow A- and -arrow B-.

Fig 7: Identifying Marked Position Of Driveshaft Flange To Rear Final Drive

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-- Make a color dot again if the original mark is no longer visible.

The dots on the driveshaft -arrow A- and on the rear final drive -arrow B- must line up.

Rear Final Drive 0BF

Fig 8: Counter Hold Using Counterhold Tool T10172 And Adapters T10172/5

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-- Remove the bolts -1- (quantity: 6) from the rear CV joint.

-- Counterhold with Counterhold - Kit - Multiple Use T10172 and Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 5 T10172/5.

Rear Final Drive 0BE

Fig 9: Driveshaft Center Bearing Bolts

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-- Remove the bolts -1- (quantity: 6) from the rear CV joint.

-- Counterhold with Counterhold - Kit - Multiple Use T10172 and Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 6 T10172/6.

Continuation for All Final Drives

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- for the driveshaft intermediate bearing.

Fig 10: Identifying Driveshaft Intermediate Bearing Mounting Bolts

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-- Guide the rear driveshaft on the fuel tank and on the rear subframe downward and remove it from the transmission.