Driveshaft (Audi A4 and Cabriolet, Audi A6), removing

• See notes → Driveshaft, servicing overview 
• The driveshaft should only be worked on a two column lift.

Audi A4, Audi Cabriolet: 

Fig 1: Locating Clamping Sleeves

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• Remove rear part of exhaust system from clamping sleeves - arrows  - →
  • 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 1.8 LITER 4-CYL. 5V TURBO ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): AMB
  • 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 2.0 LITER 4-CYL. 4V TURBO ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): BPG, BWT
  • 26 EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 3.0 LITER 6-CYL. 5V ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): AVK, BGN
  • 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 3.2 V6 4V ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): BKH
  • 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 4.2 LITER V8 4V ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): BNS
  • 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 4.2 LITER V8 5V ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): BHF
  .

Fig 2: Using Press Lever - RMV Outside Mirror 80-200 To Pry Off Rear Attachments Of Heat Shield For Drive Shaft & Removing Securing Bolts For Center Bearing

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• Pry off mountings - A  - for heat shield above intermediate bearing.
• Remove mounting bolts for intermediate bearing - B  -. When doing this, support driveshaft by hand.
• Remove heat shield while supporting driveshaft.
• Install mounting bolts for intermediate bearing by hand.

Audi A6: 

Fig 3: Removing Rear Transverse Beam & Heat Shield From Vehicle Floor

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• If present, remove rear transverse beam - 1  -.
• Remove heat shield - 3  - from vehicle floor - arrows  -.

Continuation for all vehicles: 

Fig 4: Removing Mounting Bolts For Front Exhaust Pipes

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• If present, remove mounting bolts for front exhaust pipes - 1  - and - 2  -.

Fig 5: Removing/Installing Shielding Plate From Transmission

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• Remove shielding plate - A  - from transmission - arrows  -.
• Check whether there is a marking (colored marking) on driveshaft and at flange/driveshaft at rear final drive.

Fig 6: Identifying Mark Position Of Driveshaft Flange To Rear Final Drive

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• If this marking is not present, then mark in color the position of driveshaft flange - arrow A  - to rear final drive - arrow B  -.

Fig 7: Attaching Alignment Fixture - 4W Dr. Shaft 3139

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• Attach Alignment Fixture - 4W Dr. Shaft 3139 and tighten plastic nuts.

Fig 8: Removing/Installing Securing Bolts For Center Bearing

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• Remove mounting bolts - arrows  - for intermediate bearing.

Fig 9: Locating Bolts At Transmission/Drive Shaft Flange

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• Loosen securing bolts of front driveshaft - arrows  -.
• Remove driveshaft from transmission and support it using engine/transmission jack V.A.G 1383 A.

Fig 10: Removing/Installing Mounting Bolts On Rear CV Joint And Driveshaft

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• Remove mounting bolts - arrows  - on rear CV joint and remove driveshaft.