Left Flange Shaft, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Audi SQ8, 2023 Audi RS Q8, and 2023 Audi Q8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Drain the gear oil from front final drive. Refer to GEAR OIL, DRAINING AND FILLING .

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

-- Remove the left subframe shield. Refer to SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and then remove the heat shield from the left drive axle.

Fig 1: Identifying Bolts & Left Drive Axle Heat Shield

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the left drive axle from the transmission flange shaft and move it back. Refer to DRIVE AXLE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- To protect the threads remove the nut -arrow- on the guide link joint pin until it is flush with the threads of the joint pin.

Courtesy of AUDI

WARNING:

Risk of injury due to falling parts.

When removing the tie rod end is loosened abruptly from the wheel bearing housing. Place the :VAS6931 for example underneath to secure.

-- Remove the guide link joint pin from the conical seat using the :T10444 . At the same time do not damage the CV boot.

-- Remove the nut and free up the guide link on the wheel bearing housing. If necessary, counterhold on the joint pin using a TX 40 socket

-- Free up the brake hose -arrow- from the bracket and push to the side.

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the flange shaft mounting bracket.

Fig 2: Identifying Bolts & Flange Shaft Mounting Bracket

Courtesy of AUDI

-- Push the wheel bearing housing slightly forward and remove the left flange shaft at the same time on vehicles with air suspension make sure the boot has clearance to the air spring.