Drive Axle, Removing And Installing: Removing

• Vehicles with active suspension: pay attention to the safety precautions. Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING ON VEHICLES WITH ACTIVE SUSPENSION .

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

-- Remove the front wheel. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Remove the shield or subframe shield upper section. Refer to SUBFRAME SHIELD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the drive axle heat shield. Refer to DRIVE AXLE HEAT SHIELD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- that connect the drive axle and flange shaft.

Fig 1: Drive Axle Bolts

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the drive axle, and do not damage the CV boot and the drive axle coating while doing so.

If the drive axle cannot be removed:

Fig 2: Identifying Upper Control Arms And Bolts

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Disconnect the threaded connection -1-.

-- Remove the joint pins in the upper control arm -2- from the wheel bearing housing.

-- Swivel the wheel bearing housing toward the outside and remove the drive axle.