Adjusting backlash

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Audi A4, 2004 Audi A4, 2003 Audi A4, and 2002 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drive pinion inserted with S3 and S4

Differential with ring gear: S1* is installed in the cover side, S2* in the transmission housing.
Install final drive cover and tighten bolts to 25 Nm.
Turn differential several times in both directions so that the taper roller bearings settle.

Fig 1: Installing Measuring Tools

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Install measuring tools.
Use dial gauge extension VW 382/10 (6 mm flat).

Set measuring lever VW 388 to dimension "a" = 79 mm.

Turn ring gear to stop. Set dial gauge to zero, turn back ring gear and read off backlash. Note value.
After turning ring gear through a further 90 ° , repeat measuring process a further 3 times. Add up the four measured values and calculate average backlash