Removing and installing rear axle final drive (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 into the bore on the rear axle differential.

Press left and right output shafts out of rear axle differential 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).

Feed output shafts out of transmission by shifting rear axle differential sideways.

Remove rear axle final drive.

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Do not allow output shafts (1) to hang in the joints.

Tie up the output shafts (1).

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Installation: 

Replace RADIAL SHAFT SEALS  of left and right output shafts.

Replace snapring of output shafts.

Parts  : snaprings

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Fold open installation protection rings (1) on left and right.

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Feed output shafts (1) into the transmission on the left and right by shifting the rear axle differential to the side.

After feeding in the output shafts, pull the lug (3) of the installation protection ring until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives way.

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

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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 output shafts into rear axle differential with 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.