Remove Driveshaft

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See notes, refer to DRIVESHAFT BOLTED ON TRANSMISSION-SIDE OVERVIEW
Working on the driveshaft should only be performed with the vehicle on a two-column shop hoist.

NOTE:

Do not bend the decoupling element in the front exhaust pipe more than 10°, otherwise it will get damaged.

-- Loosen the clamping sleeves -1 and 2- and separate the exhaust system.

Fig 1: Exhaust System Clamping Sleeves

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-- Tie the front exhaust pipes to the underbody.

-- Remove rear portion of exhaust system. Refer to the appropriate service information .

NOTE:

A second technician will be needed to help remove the rear section of the exhaust system.

-- Remove the crossmember -3-.

Fig 2: Identifying Crossmember

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-- Remove the front crossmember -2-, if equipped.

-- Remove the heat shield -1- -arrows-.

-- Remove the heat shield -A- from the transmission -arrows-, if equipped.

Fig 3: Identifying Transmission Heat Shield

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-- Check whether there is a marking (color marking) on the driveshaft and at flange/driveshaft at rear final drive -arrow A- and -arrow B-.

Fig 4: Identifying Mark Position Of Driveshaft Flange To Rear Final Drive

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-- If one of these markings is no longer visible (for example -arrow A- on the driveshaft), then make a new color marking.

Die marking on the driveshaft -arrow A- and on the rear final drive -arrow B- must line up.

-- Attach the 3139 and tighten the plastic nuts.

Fig 5: Attaching Alignment Fixture - 4W Dr. Shaft 3139

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NOTE:

Never lay the assembly Tool on the balance plates.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- for intermediate bearing.

Fig 6: Identifying Securing Bolts For Center Bearing, Removal/Installation

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-- Remove the bolts connecting the driveshaft to the transmission using the T10172 and T10172/5.

Fig 7: Counterholding Driveshaft Using T10172 And T10172/5

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-- Remove driveshaft from transmission and support it using V.A.G 1383 A.

-- Remove the bolts -1- (quantity: 6) from the rear CV joint.

Fig 8: Counterholding Using Counterhold Tool Touareg V10 T10172 And Adapters T10172/5

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-- Remove driveshaft.