Drive Axle, Removing And Installing: Removing

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

-- Remove the wheel, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Remove the rear noise insulation, refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the nuts -3- and remove the cover -2- (if equipped) from the right and left drive axle.

Fig 1: Drive Axle Cover & Nuts

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Tip the top of the cover -2- toward the outside and guide it downward by the seam -1-.

-- Remove both heat shields from the subframe, refer to SUBFRAME HEATSHIELD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Move the auxiliary water pump (if equipped) with the lines still connected to the side.

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

Fig 2: Drive Axle Bolts

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the bolts -1, 2 and 3- and remove the heat shield -4-.

Fig 3: Identifying Heat Shield And Bolts

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Turn the wheel bearing housing as far toward the inside as possible.

-- Remove the drive axle.