Shifter mechanism, removing and installing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, 2007 Audi S4, 2007 Audi RS 4, and 2006 Audi S4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Identifying Engine/Transmission Jack V.A.G. 1383 A

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Engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A

Removing

Remove gear lever knob together with boot → Gear shift knob with boot, removing and installing .

Vehicles with large radio slot

Remove operating and display unit for air conditioner → 87 AIR CONDITIONING .

Fig 2: Lifting Cover And Pulling Out And Removing Bolts And Pulling Ashtray From Center Console

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Vehicles with small radio slot

First lift trim panel - 1 - in direction of - arrow A - , then pull it out in direction of - arrow B -.

All models:

Unscrew bolts - arrowsC - and then pull ashtray - 2 - out of center console.
Disconnect electrical connector for ashtray light.
Remove foam wedges from center console.
Lift out the noise insulation.

Fig 3: Locating Noise Insulation For Shift Lever Housing Bolts

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Unscrew noise insulation for gear lever housing - arrows -.

Fig 4: Shift Lever Housing Nuts

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Remove nuts - arrows -.

Fig 5: Fasteners

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On vehicles installed with auxiliary heater remove screws - arrows - securing exhaust pipe of auxiliary/additional heater to noise insulation.

Fig 6: Front And Rear Sound Insulation And Fasteners

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Loosen bolts/quick release fasteners - 1 - and - 2 - and remove front noise insulation - A -.
If installed, loosen quick release fasteners - 3 - and remove rear noise insulation - B -.

Fig 7: Locating Clamping Sleeves

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NOTE:

The flexible exhaust pipe connection (de-coupling element) in the front exhaust pipe must not be bent more than 10 ° - otherwise it can be damaged.

Disconnect exhaust system at clamp(s) - arrows -.
Disengage rear section of exhaust system at rubber mountings and remove.

NOTE:

A second technician is required for removing the rear section of the exhaust system.

Fig 8: Identifying Driveshaft Shield

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Unbolt heat shield for driveshaft - arrows -.

Fig 9: Heatshield Bolts

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Remove heat shield - 1 - for exhaust system below selector mechanism - arrows -.
Unscrew bolts at transmission/driveshaft flange.
Push driveshaft - 2 - together towards rear final drive. The constant velocity joints can be moved axially.

Fig 10: Driveshaft Tied Up To One Side Onto Heat Shield

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Tie driveshaft - 1 - up to one side onto heat shield - arrow -.

Fig 11: Supporting Tunnel Cross Member Using VAG1383A Engine/Transmission Lift And A Piece Of Wood

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Remove universal mounting V.A.G1359/2 from engine and transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A and place a wooden block - arrow - on the lifting column in its place.
Support rear cross member with engine and transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A.
First unscrew bolts - 1 - and - 2 - , then bolts - 3 - and - 4 -.

Fig 12: Identifying Distance Between Cross Member And Body Reaches Dimension

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Lower rear cross member slowly with engine and transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A until distance between rear cross member and body reaches dimension "x".

Dimension - x - = 60 mm

Fig 13: Drive Axle Heat Shield

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If installed, unbolt heat shield for drive shaft (right-side) - arrow -.

Fig 14: Removing Left/Right Heat Shields For Drive Axles

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If installed, unbolt heat shield for drive shaft (left-side) - 1 -.

Fig 15: Identifying Selector Mechanism Fasteners

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Unscrew nut - 1 - and pull selector shaft lever - 2 - off transmission selector shaft.

Fig 16: Identifying Push Rod And Connecting Rod For Selector Rod

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Unscrew connecting rod - 2 - for selector rod.
Disconnect push rod - 1 - ; to do so, unscrew hexagon socket head bolt.
Remove selector mechanism from right side of vehicle.

Installing

Installation is performed in reverse sequence; note the following:

NOTE:

Always replace seals, gaskets and self-locking nuts.

Install tunnel cross member → 40 - FRONT SUSPENSION .
Bolt driveshaft onto transmission → 39 FINAL DRIVE, DIFFERENTIAL .
Install exhaust system and perform stress-free alignment → 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS .
If installed, install rear noise insulation.

Adjust selector mechanism → Shift mechanism, adjusting .
Install operating and display unit for air conditioner → 87 AIR CONDITIONING .

Tightening torques

Component	Nm
Connecting rod to transmission	23
Shift lever to selector shaft	23
Push rod to transmission	40
Heat shield for drive shaft to transmission	23
Heat shield for driveshaft to transmission cover	25
Shift mechanism to body	10
Noise insulation to selector mechanism	10