Releasing the prop shaft from the rear axle differential

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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) by a few turns.
Variant A (prop shaft with wide universal joint):
Use a suitable tool (2) to protect the prop shaft on the center universal joint from twisting.

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Version B (prop shaft with narrow universal joint):
Use special tool 2 464 898 and a suitable tool (2) to protect the prop shaft (1) on the central universal joint from twisting.

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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.
Release the recessed nut against the driving direction clockwise in direction of the arrow, using special tools 0 495 554 (33 5 070) and 0 496 959 (33 0 080) .

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Do not use the twelve-edge flange nut (1) as a counter support.
Loosen screws (1) central mount.

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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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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) .
Release the prop shaft (1) from the rear axle differential and tie it up with the special tool 2 413 317 .

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Secure the central mount with the bolts (1).

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