Lowering/raising the rear axle differential (release output shaft on left or right) (AWD)

Special tools required: 

• 2 358 630
• 23 4 150
• 2 406 773
• 33 5 120
• 0 496 862
• 33 5 122
• 2 406 774

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Preliminary work needed: 

• Remove right rear WHEEL .
• Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM.
• Remove heat shields.
• Remove and tie back PROP SHAFT on rear axle differential.
• Remove TANK COVER on the right.
• Remove right COIL SPRING .

Removal: 

Loosen screws (1).

Remove cover (2).

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Disconnect connector (1).

Loosen cable (2) from control unit bracket.

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Secure special tool 2 358 630 with wheel studs to drive flange.

Press wheel hub upward with special tool 2 358 630 and workshop jack.

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Support rear axle differential (1) with workshop jack and special tool 23 4 150.

Secure rear axle differential against falling out with luggage strap (2).

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Insert support tool 2 406 773 on left or right into the bore on the rear axle differential.

Press the output shaft out of the rear axle differential on the left or right with jerky movements using special tool 33 5 120 and shaped part 0 496 862.

• Position the thrust piece of the screw 33 5 122 at the support tool 2 406 773.

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Release screw (1) of rear axle differential.

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Undo screws (1) on left and right of cross member (2) (right side identical).

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Lower rear axle differential (1).

Guide the output shaft out of the transmission by shifting the rear axle differential sideways.

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Do not allow the output shaft (1) to hang on the joints.

Tie up the output shaft (1).

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Installation: 

Replace the RADIAL SHAFT SEAL  of the output shaft on the left or right.

Replace snapring of output shaft.

Parts  : snaprings

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Fold open the installation protection ring (1) on the left or right.

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Feed the output shaft (1) into the transmission on the left or right by shifting the rear axle differential (2) sideways.

After having inserted the output shaft pull on the installation protection ring lug (3) until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives in.

Pull out and dispose of the installation protection ring (3).

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Raise rear axle differential (1).

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Tighten screw (1) of rear axle differential hand force.

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Tighten screws (1) on left and right of cross member (2) (right side identical).

Tightening torque 33 31 3AZ .

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Tighten screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

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Drive the output shaft into the rear axle differential on the left or right using the special tool 2 406 774 and a rubber mallet.

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Lower workshop jack.

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Secure cable (2) on control unit bracket.

Connect connector (1) to control unit.

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Position cover (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 31 8AZ .

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Required follow-up work: 

• Install right COIL SPRING .
• Install right TANK COVER .
• Install PROP SHAFT on rear axle differential.
• Install heat shields.
• Completely install the EXHAUST SYSTEM .
• Mount right rear WHEEL .
• Check OIL LEVEL in the rear axle final drive, correct if necessary.