Driveshaft, Removing And Installing, Driveshaft Connected On Transmission Side: 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.

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.

Vehicles with 3.0L TDI driveshaft and Two Turbochargers

Fig 1: Identifying Flange Nuts

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-- Remove the particulate filter or SCR catalytic converter. .

Continuation for Driveshaft

Fig 2: Clamping Sleeve Threaded Connections

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-- Loosen clamping sleeve(s) -arrows- and push it toward 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 3: Driveshaft Heat Shield - Tightening Specification

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

Fig 4: Driveshaft Boot Hose Clamp

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NOTE:

Ignore item -2-.

Audi A6 and A7

Fig 5: Identifying Crossbrace (Audi A6 and A7)

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

Audi A4, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabrio, Q5, A8

Fig 6: Identifying Crossmember (A4, A5 Coupe/Sportback/Cabrio, Q5)

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-- If equipped, 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 7: 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 8: Marking 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.

-- Remove the driveshaft bolts -1- from the rear final drive.

Fig 9: Removing/Installing Driveshaft Bolts

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

-- Use the Counterhold - Kit - Multiple Use - Adapter 6 T10172/6 for the rear final drive 0BE.

Fig 10: Driveshaft Center Bearing Bolts

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

Fig 11: Identifying Driveshaft Intermediate Bearing Mounting Bolts

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-- Bend the driveshaft on the intermediate bearing all the way without force.

NOTE:

The driveshaft can be bent slightly further in some positions.

Turn the driveshaft slightly.

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