Releasing the prop shaft from the rear axle differential

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE 
Damage to prop shaft during removal. 
Non-observance of the removal guidelines for the prop shaft on the rear axle differential may cause severe damage. 

• Loosen the recessed nut against the direction of travel in clockwise direction. The prop shaft must be loosened on the recessed nut only and exclusively in the direction of rotation otherwise the anti-twist lock of the bi-hexagonal flange nut is damaged.
• In the event of a damaged anti-twist lock on the bi-hexagonal flange nut: Replace the rear axle differential.

• Slacken the screws (1) on the central mount.

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• Use special tool 5 A4A EB5  and a suitable tool (2) to counter support the prop shaft (1) at the central universal joint.

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  NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE 
  Damage to rear axle differential. 
  Non-observance of the removal and installation guidelines may cause severe damage to the rear axle differential. 

  • Do not use the double hexagon head flange nut as counter support.

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• Release the recessed nut in the arrow direction  using special tools 5 A4B A58  and 0 495 554 (33 5 070) . While doing so, counter support at the central universal joint.
• Ensure that the recessed nut (1) is released from the prop shaft (2).

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• Loosen screws (1).

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  NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE 
  Damage to the bellows on the prop shaft. 
  Non-use of the special tool may lead to damage to the bellows on the prop shaft. 

  • The special tool must be used when removing the prop shaft, otherwise the bellows may be damaged with the mounting lever.

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  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION 
  Secure component against falling.
• Position the mounting lever (1) and the special tool 0 496 959 (33 0 080) between the prop shaft (3) and  the recessed nut (2) with help from a second person.
• Push the prop shaft (3) out of the rear axle differential with the mounting lever (1) and the special tool 0 496 959 (33 0 080)  .
• Tie up the prop shaft (1) with the special tool  2 413 317  .

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• Position the central mount and screw in the screws (1) by a few turns.

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