Left Flange Shaft Ball Bearing Pre-Tension, Checking

Check the ball bearing pre-tension using the wear pattern on the bearing bracket -arrow-.

Fig 1: Always Clean Left Flange Shaft, Transmission Housing In Area Where The Differential Is Accessed

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

the pre-tension on the left flange shaft ball bearing must be checked only on certain vehicles. Refer to the table for a list of the vehicles. Refer to Installing .

This is not necessary on vehicles built later because they have been redesigned.

Refer to LEFT FLANGE SHAFT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING

Wear Pattern "A"

Fig 2: Checking For Traces Of Wear

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Small indentations near the hole on the bearing bracket -arrows-.
No trace of wear or material erosion.

-- Optimize the pre-tension on the ball bearing for the left flange shaft, refer to PRE-TENSION ON BALL BEARING, OPTIMIZING, LEFT FLANGE SHAFT .

Wear Pattern "B"

Fig 3: Bearing Bracket With Wear Pattern "B"

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Traces of wear, if necessary, with material erosion all around the hole on the bearing bracket -arrow-.

-- Adjust the pre-tension on the left flange shaft bearing. Refer to PRE-TENSION ON BALL BEARING, ADJUSTING, LEFT FLANGE SHAFT .

-- Replace the bearing bracket, the ball bearing and the circlip. Refer to LEFT FLANGE SHAFT BALL BEARING MOUNTING BRACKET, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .