Left Flange Shaft, Removing And Installing: Removing
-- 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 subframe shield. Refer to SUBFRAME .
-- Remove the left drive axle from the transmission flange shaft and move it back. Refer to appropriate Repair Information .
-- Remove the ATF cooler. Refer to ATF COOLER, 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.
- To not damage the ball joint puller, both lever arms from the puller must be parallel to each other when exerting a great deal of force on them.
Risk of injury due to abruptly loosening the guide link when prying out.
Risk of bruising to the body.
- Secure the tool with the engine and gearbox jack underneath.
-- Pry out the guide link joint pin using the :VAS251809 with :VAS251809/1 from the conical seat, at the same time do not damage the CV boot.
-- Remove the nut and free up the guide link on the wheel bearing housing to do so if necessary counterhold the joint pin with a TX 40 socket.
-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the flange shaft mounting bracket.
-- 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.
-- Remove the lower cover -1- from the transmission in direction of -arrow-.
There is a risk of damaging the seal between the final drive and the transmission housing from the flange shaft splines.
- Keep the flange shaft centered.
- A seal must be replaced if it is damaged.
-- To avoid damaging the seal, support and guide the flange shaft -arrow- out of the opening in the transmission.
-- Remove the left flange shaft -2- from the transmission in direction of -arrow A-.