Adjusting differential bevel gears

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 17 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Differential Planetary Gears, Adjusting

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Insert large bevel gears with thinnest shims (0.5 mm).
Insert small bevel gears at a 180° offset with thrust washers.

NOTE: Do not now interchange bevel gears and thrust washers.

Drive in shaft for bevel gears.
Press small bevel gears outward.
Press large bevel gears in direction of -arrow- and check play.
Ascertain the thickest - just fitting - shim for large bevel gears on each side.

Select required shims from table. Part numbers

The following shims are available:

Shim thickness (mm)
0.50	0.70	0.90
0.60	0.80	1.00

NOTE:

Fig 2: Installing Differential Bevel Gear Shim

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

The adjustment is also correct if no further play is perceptible, although it is still possible to rotate the differential bevel gears -arrow-.