Wheel bearing housing, removing and installing

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.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Ball Joint Puller T40010

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Ball joint puller T40010
Torque wrench V.A.G 1331
Torque wrench V.A.G 1332

Removing

Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).
Remove drive axle bolt (only loosen on vehicle resting on wheels -risk of accident-) Remove drive axle
Remove ABS speed sensor wiring from wheel bearing housing bracket.

Vehicles with brake caliper HP-2

Fig 2: Removing Hex Bolt, Brake Line Bracket, Bolts From Brake Caliper And Brake Caliper

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Remove hex bolt - 2 - and remove brake line bracket.
Remove bolts - 1 - from brake caliper and remove brake caliper.
Reinstall brake line bracket. Install hex bolt - 2 - and tighten.
Secure brake caliper to body so that caliper weight does not bend or damage brake line.

Continued for all vehicles

Remove brake caliper and secure to body so that weight of caliper does not stress or damage brake hose or brake line.

Fig 3: Identifying Guide Link/Subframe Connection Bolts

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Remove ABS speed sensor bolt - 5 -.
Disengage ABS cable at wheel bearing housing
Remove disc brake.

Fig 4: Removing/Installing Bolts And Cover Plate

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Remove bolts - arrows - and remove shield.

Fig 5: Identifying Nut, Control Links & Bolts

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Remove combi-bolt - 3 - and bolt - 4 -.

NOTE:

Align vehicle after repair → Wheel alignment .

Fig 6: Identifying Steering Arm & Tie Rod Ball Joint Sealing Washer

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Do not use a chisel or similar tool between steering arm - 1 - and tie rod ball joint sealing washer - 2 - when removing tie rod, otherwise sealing washer could be damaged.
Tie rod may only be pressed off steering arm over tie rod ball joint pin ends or driven with a wooden or rubber hammer.

Press or pull tie rod downward to remove.
Remove nut from guide link joint pins enough so that it is flush with joint pin threads. Use 4 mm socket wrench to hold joint pin, if necessary.

Fig 7: Separating Guide Link Joint Pin From Tapered Seat Using Ball Joint Puller T40010

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Separate guide link joint pin from tapered seat using ball joint puller T40010.

NOTE:

Do not damage protective joint boot when doing this!
Ensure both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force.

On vehicles with headlight range control, remove vehicle level sensor link from link → Vehicles with automatic headlight vertical aim control, vehicle level sensor .
Remove nut from control arm guide link joint pins enough so that it is flush with joint pin threads. Use 4 mm socket wrench to hold joint pin, if necessary.

Fig 8: Separating Lower Link Joint Pin From Tapered Seat Using Ball Joint Puller T40010

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Separate lower link joint pin from tapered seat using ball joint puller T40010.

NOTE:

Ensure both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using the greatest force.

Fig 9: Identifying Nut, Control Links & Bolts

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Remove nut - 1 - , remove hex bolt and lift out both links - 2 - upward.

The slits in the wheel bearing housing must not be widened using a chisel or similar tool!

Swing wheel bearing housing in direction of arrow away to side, when doing this remove drive axle pin from wheel hub.
Secure drive axle to body, e.g. with wire.
Remove nut from joint pin of track control link.
Remove wheel bearing housing.

Installing

Install wheel bearing housing.
Install outer drive axle joint into hub and hand tighten with a new hex bolt.
Insert control arm and guide link joint pins in wheel bearing housing.
Install new self-locking nuts and tighten counterhold joint pins, e.g. with hex socket wrench 4 mm.

Fig 10: Inserting Both Upper Link Joint Pins In Wheel Bearing Housing And Bend Downward As Much As Possible Using Pliers T40067

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Insert both upper link joint pins in wheel bearing housing and bend downward as much as possible using assembly tool Pliers T40067.

Fig 11: Identifying Nut, Control Links & Bolts

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Insert new bolt - 1 - and self-locking nut and tighten

Fig 12: Identifying Steering Arm & Tie Rod Ball Joint Sealing Washer

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NOTE:

Tie rod (tie rod ball joint) must only be inserted in steering arm - 1 - by hand. Sealing washer - 2 - must not be stressed under any circumstances.

Install tie rod.

Fig 13: Identifying Nut, Control Links & Bolts

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Install new self-locking nuts - 4 - and tighten
Tighten hex bolt - 3 - ,
Install ABS speed sensor. → 45 - ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
On vehicles with headlight range control, install vehicle level sensor link at control arm → Vehicles with automatic headlight vertical aim control, vehicle level sensor .

Fig 14: Removing/Installing Bolts And Cover Plate

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Install cover plate and tighten
Fit brake disc, screw on brake caliper. → 46 - BRAKES - MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
Mount wheel and tighten. This information is contained in AESIS; Library; Additional Information; Wheels and Tire Guide
Tighten drive axle hex bolt (only with vehicle resting on wheels -risk of accident-) Install drive axle

Perform vehicle alignment → Wheel alignment .

Check front axle, alignment must take place on a VW/Audi recommended alignment stand.