Driveshaft, Mounted On Transmission Side: Removing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2017 Audi S5, 2016 Audi S5, 2015 Audi S5, 2014 Audi S5, and 2013 Audi S5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

The attached driveshaft can only be separated from the transmission if it is completely removed.
Perform work on the driveshaft on a two-column lift 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 as far as the end stop of the center joint provided that no force is used. Bending the joint forcibly to the end stop can damage the center joint and/or the protective boot.
Always remove or install driveshaft horizontally from the transmission output shaft.

Fig 1: Exhaust System Clamping Sleeves

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CAUTION:

Risk of damaging decoupling elements.

Do not bend the decoupling element by more than 10°.
Do not load the decoupling element.
Do not damage the wire mesh on the decoupling element.

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

Fig 3: Driveshaft Boot Hose Clamp

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NOTE:

Ignore -2-.

Audi A6 and A7

Fig 4: Identifying Crossbrace

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-- Remove the crossbrace -2-. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY PANELS .

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

Fig 5: Identifying Crossmember

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-- Remove the front crossmember -2- and the rear crossmember -3-. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY PANELS .

All Vehicles

-- Remove the heat shield -1-.

-- Lower the front of the exhaust system rear section and then secure it using the VW 785/1 B, as illustrated.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool VW 785/1 B

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

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

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-- Make a color dot again if the original dot 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 8: Counter Hold Using Counterhold Tool Touareg V10 T10172 And Adapters T10172/5

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-- When doing this, counter hold using the T10172 and T10172/5.

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

Fig 9: Identifying Mounting Bolts

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