Rear Flexible Disc, Removing And Installing: Removing

• Perform work on driveshaft on a two-column workshop hoist if possible.
• Label the position of all the parts to each other before removing them. Install in the same position otherwise the imbalance will be excessive and the bearings could get damaged causing rumbling noises.
• Do not bend the driveshaft, only store and move when fully extended.
• Do not allow the driveshaft to hang down during removal. Always support it.
• Always remove or install the driveshaft horizontally with respect to the centering pin.

-- Remove the muffler. Refer to MUFFLER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Loosen the bolts -arrows- for the intermediate bearing approximately three turns.

Fig 1: Locating Center Bracket Screws

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the bolts -2 and 3- for the pendulum support.

Fig 2: Identifying Bolts

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Press the engine and transmission forward and secure with a suitable piece of wood -A-.

Fig 3: Engine And Transmission Pressed Forward And Secured With A Wood Block

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Make sure there is a marking (colored dot) on the flexible disc and the driveshaft flange on the rear final drive -arrows-.

Fig 4: Aligning Markings On Driveshaft At Flange Of Haldex Clutch

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- If the marking is not there, then mark the position of the flexible disc to the driveshaft flange on the rear final drive.

-- Label the position of the driveshaft to the flange on the bevel box.

-- To loosen the driveshaft bolts, counterhold with the Counterhold - Multiple Use:T10172A  and the Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 5:T10172/5  on the rear final drive.

Fig 5: Counterholding Rear Final Drive To Loosen And Tighten Driveshaft

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the driveshaft bolts -arrows- from the rear final drive.

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Fig 7: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Shaft Seal

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

• If the seal is damaged, the driveshaft must be replaced.

-- Remove the driveshaft -A- from the alignment pins on the rear final drive and tie up using for example a wire -B- to the side of the body.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the rear tunnel brace. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY BRACING .

-- Label the position of the rear flexible disc and the driveshaft tube flange to each other.

Fig 8: Removing Front Flexible Disc From Driveshaft

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the rear flexible disc from the driveshaft tube -arrow-.