Drive axles, 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

Spring compressor V.A.G 1752/1
Adapter V.A.G 1752/9
Spring holder A4, rear axle V.A.G 1752/16
Torque wrench V.A.G 1331

Fig 1: Spring Compressor Kit V.A.G 1752

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Torque wrench V.A.G 1332

Removing

Remove wheel covers, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).

Fig 2: Wheel Hex Bolt

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Only loosen collar bolt - arrow - 90°, otherwise wheel bearing is damaged.

CAUTION: When loosening and tightening collar bolt, vehicle must stand on wheels.

-risk of accident-

Remove wheel.
Install all 4 wheel bolts hand-tight.
Engage parking brake.
Remove collar bolt - arrow -.

Remove coil spring → Rear coil spring .

Fig 3: Removing/Installing Combi-Bolts & Trapezoidal Control Arm

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove combi-bolts - 2 - and cover.
Remove bolts - 1 -.
Raise trapezoidal control arm with hand until drive axle can be taken forward out of flange shaft/transmission.

Fig 4: Pressing Exhaust Pipe Downward Slightly And Slide Driveshaft Inward Until It Can Be Removed From Wheel Hub

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Press exhaust pipe downward slightly - arrow A - and slide driveshaft inward - arrow B - until it can be removed from wheel hub.
Press exhaust pipe down again slightly and guide drive axle outward over cover plate.

Fig 5: Removing Drive Axle Downward & Ensuring Cover Plate And Body Are Not Damaged

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove drive axle downward - arrow A -.

NOTE:

Ensure cover plate - arrow B - and body are not damaged.

Installing

NOTE:

Replace bolts and self-locking nuts → Notes in exploded view diagrams at → Part I, Subframe - front wheel drive .

Installation is in reverse order of removal.

Insert drive axle from below and slide into wheel hub up to stop.

Fig 6: Removing/Installing Combi-Bolts & Trapezoidal Control Arm

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Align drive axle holes and flange shaft/transmission holes with each other, install bolts - 1 - and tighten , (100 mm dia.) or (108 mm dia.).
Insert cover, install combi-bolts - 2 - and tighten.
Install coil spring → Rear coil spring .
Install new collar bolt and tighten to specified torque without turning any farther.

Mount wheel and tighten. This information is contained in AESIS; Library; Additional Information; Wheels and Tire Guide
Lower vehicle onto its wheels.
Tighten collar bolt to specified additional turn angle.