Driveshaft, Removing And Installing, AUDI A4, A5 And Q5: Removing

Note the information about the driveshaft:

Pay attention to the general repair information. Refer to REPAIR INFORMATION .
The attached driveshaft can only be separated from the transmission if it is completely removed.
Always remove or install the driveshaft horizontally at the all-wheel drive clutch output shaft.
Always store and transport the driveshaft when it is fully extended.
The driveshaft can be bent all the way to the center joint without force. Bending the joint forcibly all the way can damage the center joint and/or the protective boot.
If the driveshaft is separated only from the rear final drive, the driveshaft must be tied up or supported. If necessary, the driveshaft can be bent as far as the end stop of the center without force.
Pay attention to the tightening sequence for the driveshaft bolt on the rear final drive. Refer to Figure.

Should there be complaints (noise, vibration), do the following before replacing the driveshaft:

Remove all the driveshaft bolts from the rear final drive.
Tighten the driveshaft with new bolts according to the tightening sequence. Refer to Figure.

-- Remove the tunnel brace -1-. Refer to TUNNEL BRACE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

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Fig 1: Clamping Sleeve Threaded Connections

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CAUTION:

Incorrect handling can damage the coupling.

- Do not bend the coupling more than 10°.

- Do not load the coupling.

-- Loosen the lock washer(s) -arrows- and separate the exhaust system.

-- Tie up the front exhaust pipe(s) on the side to the underbody.

-- Remove the rear section of the exhaust system. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER (4 CYL) , or OVERVIEW - MUFFLER (6 CYL) .

-- Remove the heat shield -1- over the driveshaft. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - HEAT SHIELD .

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the driveshaft heat shield -1- (if equipped).

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-- Cut the clamp -1- for the driveshaft boot and remove it.

Fig 2: Driveshaft Boot Hose Clamp

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-- Check if there is a mark (color dot) on the driveshaft and on the rear final drive driveshaft flange -arrow A- and -arrow B-.

Fig 3: Install the driveshaft on the rear final drive.

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-- Make a color dot again if the original mark is no longer visible.

The marks on the driveshaft -arrow A- and on the rear final drive -arrow B- must line up.

-- Remove the driveshaft bolts -1- from the rear final drive.

Fig 4: Counter Hold Rear Driveshaft Using Counterhold Tool T10172 And Adapters T10172/5

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-- Counterhold with Counterhold - Multiple Use :T10172A and Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 5 :T10172/5 or Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 6 :T10172/6 .

-- Remove the driveshaft intermediate bearing mounting bolts -arrows-.

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-- Push the driveshaft in the inserted position forward at the same time remove the rear final drive and free up downward.

Remove the driveshaft as follows from the transmission:

-- Remove the driveshaft "with a pull" rearward from the transmission.