12-Point Bolt Without Ribs Between Drive Axle And Wheel Hub (Loosening And Tightening)

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Socket 24 mm -T10361-
Digital Torque Wrench - V.A.G 1756-

Characteristics Between a Twelve-Point Bolt with Ribs and a Twelve-Point Bolt without Ribs

Fig 1: Identifying Twelve-Point Bolt With/Without Ribs

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The contact surfaces -arrow A- and -arrow B- are different on the two-point bolts.

I - twelve-point bolt with ribs -arrow A-.

II - twelve-point bolt without ribs -arrow B-.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If vehicle does have to be moved, always note the following points:

Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.

Tighten outer joint to 120 Nm.

Loosening

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Bolt

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

- With the vehicle resting on its wheels, loosen the twelve-point bolt -arrow- maximum 90° otherwise the wheel bearing will get damaged.

- Lift the vehicle just enough so that the wheels are hanging free.

- Apply the brakes (a second technician required).

- Remove 12-point bolt -arrow-.

NOTE:

Before installing, clean the threads in the CV joint with a tap

Tightening

- Replace 12-point bolt.

NOTE:

Wheels must not yet touch the ground to tighten the drive axle, wheel bearing may otherwise be damaged.

- Apply the brakes (a second technician required). Tighten 12- point bolt to 200 Nm.

- Lower the vehicle onto its wheels.

- Tighten 12-point bolt an additional 180°.