Shaft Seal For The Flange/Driveshaft: 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.

Fig 1: Exhaust System Clamping Sleeves

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Rear final drive installed
General repair instructions, refer to REPAIR INFORMATION .

-- Disconnect the exhaust system at the clamping sleeves -1- and -2-.

-- Remove the rear section of the exhaust system. Refer to the appropriate service information .

NOTE:

A second technician is needed to help remove the rear section of the exhaust system.

-- Open the transmission fluid drain plug -arrow- and allow approximately 250 ml of gear oil to drain out.

Fig 2: Opening Gear Oil Drain Plug And Let Approximately 250 Ml Gear Oil Drain Out

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Install the drain plug -arrow- and tighten it.

Tightening specification: 30 Nm

-- Remove the driveshaft from the rear final drive. Refer to DRIVESHAFT, REMOVING FROM REAR FINAL DRIVE .

Fig 3: Identifying Mark Position Of Driveshaft Flange To Rear Final Drive

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Audi A8

-- Guide the driveshaft between the fuel tank and the subframe downward toward the rear and attach it on the side.

Audi A4, A5 Coupe/Sportback/Cabrio, Q5

Fig 4: Identifying Crossmember

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the front crossmember -2-.

-- Remove the rear crossmember -3- and the heat shield -1-.

Audi A6 and A7

Fig 5: Identifying Crossbrace

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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

Continuation for All Vehicles - Except Audi A8

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

Fig 6: Identifying Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Lower the driveshaft at the center bearing.

-- Guide the driveshaft between the fuel tank and the subframe downward and toward the rear while doing this.

-- Install the center bearing bolts -arrows- by hand.

-- Tie the driveshaft to the side.

All Vehicles

Fig 7: Identifying Circlip, Removal/Installation

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the high temperature grease in the flange/driveshaft.

-- Remove the circlip -arrow-.

CAUTION:

Replace the circlip with a new one of the same thickness if it is stretched or damaged.

-- Mark the position of the flange/driveshaft -B- on the pinion -A- -arrow-.

Fig 8: Locating Mark Position Of Flange/Driveshaft To Pinion

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

This marking -arrow- is needed so the colored point -C- on the outer flange remains in its original position.
This ensures the imbalance in the rear final drive will be as small as possible.

-- Install the two M8 x 30 bolts -arrow- in the flange.

Fig 9: Pulling Off Drive Shaft Flange Using Puller VW 391