Driveshaft Attached On Transmission Side: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE:

The attached driveshaft can only be removed from the transmission if it is removed completely.
Working on the driveshaft should only be performed with the vehicle on a two-column shop hoist.
Tie up or support the end of the shaft after disconnecting if from the rear final drive.
The driveshaft can be bent at the center joint without using force. A hard bending to the stop may cause damage to the center joint or dust boot.
Always hold the driveshaft horizontal when installing it or removing it from the transmission output shaft.

CAUTION:

Danger of causing damage to the decoupling element.

Never bend the decoupling element more than 10°.
Never load the decoupling element.
Do not damage the wire mesh on the decoupling element.

-- Loosen the clamping sleeves -1 and 2- and slide them to the rear.

Fig 1: Exhaust System Clamping Sleeves

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Attach the front muffler and/or left and right front exhaust pipe to the underbody.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the driveshaft heat shield -1-, if equipped.

Fig 2: Driveshaft Heat Shield - Tightening Specification

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-- Cut the hose clamp -1- for the driveshaft boot and remove it.

Fig 3: Driveshaft Boot Hose Clamp

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NOTE:

Ignore -2-.

Audi A6 and Audi A7

Fig 4: Identifying Crossbrace

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-- Remove the crossbrace -2-. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY PANELS .

Audi A4, Audi A5 Coupe, Audi A5 Cabriolet and Audi A8

Fig 5: Identifying Crossmember

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-- Remove the front crossmember -2- and the rear crossmember -3-. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY PANELS .

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the heat shield -1-.

-- Lower the exhaust system rear section near the front and secure it using the VW 785/1 B as illustrated.

Fig 6: VW 785/1 B

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

Fig 7: Identifying Mark Position Of Driveshaft Flange To Rear Final Drive

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-- If one of these markings is no longer visible, then make a new color marking.

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

Rear Final Drive 0BF

-- 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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-- Counter hold using the T10172 and T10172/5.

Rear Final Drive 0BE

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

Fig 9: Driveshaft Center Bearing Bolts

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-- Counter hold using the T10172 and T10172/6.

Continuation for All Rear Final Drives

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the driveshaft center bearing.

Fig 10: Identifying Mounting Bolts

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-- Lower the rear driveshaft at the fuel tank and at the subframe and remove it from the transmission.