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 .

-- Release the retainers in direction of -arrow- and remove the retaining pin -1-.

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-- Remove the wind deflector -2- from the transverse link.

Right Side of Vehicle:

-- If installed, remove the right underbody trim panel. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .

Left Side of Vehicle:

Fig 1: Heat Shield - Bolts

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-- Remove the rear muffler. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER .

-- If installed, remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the drive axle heat shield -1-.

-- Final drive 0D3 "quattro sport" : remove the bolts -arrows-, and remove the drive axle heat shield -A- from the rear final drive.

Fig 2: Identifying Left Drive Axle Heat Shield

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Continuation for Both Sides:

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-- Equipment versions with air suspension: raise the wheel bearing to the standard vehicle height. Refer to WHEEL BEARING AT STANDARD VEHICLE HEIGHT, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION .

-- Remove the bolts -arrows-, and carefully remove the drive axle.