Drive Axle, Removing And Installing: Removing

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-- 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-.

Courtesy of AUDI

-- 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

Courtesy of AUDI

-- 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

Courtesy of AUDI

Continuation for Both Sides:

Courtesy of AUDI

-- 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.

NOTE:

Make sure that the surface protection on the drive axle and shock absorber is not damaged.

If the drive axle can not be removed as described, then lift the suspension at this location to create sufficient space. Refer to WHEEL BEARING IN CURB WEIGHT POSITION, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING or Refer to WHEEL BEARING AT STANDARD VEHICLE HEIGHT, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH AIR SUSPENSION .