Drive Axle, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 2016 Audi S4, 2016 Audi A4 Quattro, 2016 Audi A4, 2015 Audi S4, and 2015 Audi A4 Quattro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Nuts And Cover

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Loosen the connection between the drive axle and wheel hub. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

-- Remove the wheel.

-- Remove the nuts -1- and the cover -2-.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the flange shaft/transmission.

Fig 2: Identifying Left And Right Drive Axles

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the drive axle.

Applies to a Vehicle with a Subframe Shield

Fig 3: Identifying Subframe Shield

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

If there is not enough room available to remove the drive axle, perform the following steps:

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and move the subframe shield -1- to the side.

-- Remove the bracket for the brake hose and ABS line from the wheel bearing housing.

-- Loosen the threaded connection -1- and remove both control arms -2- upward.

Fig 4: Identifying Booth Joint Pins In Upper Control Arm

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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

-- Tilt the wheel bearing housing to the side while pulling the drive axle pins out of the wheel hub.

-- Remove the drive axle.