Left Flange Shaft Ball Bearing Pre-Tension, Checking

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2016 Audi A4, 2015 Audi A4, 2014 Audi A4, 2013 Audi A4, and 2012 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the ball bearing pre-tension using the wear pattern on the bearing bracket -arrow-.

Fig 1: Always Clean Left Flange Shaft, Transmission Housing In Area Where The Differential Is Accessed

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

the pre-tension on the left flange shaft ball bearing must be checked only on certain vehicles. Refer to the table for a list of the vehicles. Refer to Installing .

This is not necessary on vehicles built later because they have been redesigned.

Refer to LEFT FLANGE SHAFT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING

Wear Pattern "A"

Fig 2: Checking For Traces Of Wear

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Small indentations near the hole on the bearing bracket -arrows-.
No trace of wear or material erosion.

-- Optimize the pre-tension on the ball bearing for the left flange shaft, refer to PRE-TENSION ON BALL BEARING, OPTIMIZING, LEFT FLANGE SHAFT .

Wear Pattern "B"

Fig 3: Bearing Bracket With Wear Pattern "B"

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Traces of wear, if necessary, with material erosion all around the hole on the bearing bracket -arrow-.

-- Adjust the pre-tension on the left flange shaft bearing. Refer to PRE-TENSION ON BALL BEARING, ADJUSTING, LEFT FLANGE SHAFT .

-- Replace the bearing bracket, the ball bearing and the circlip. Refer to LEFT FLANGE SHAFT BALL BEARING MOUNTING BRACKET, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .