Removing Rear Axle Housing

→ Wear personal protective gear.

→ Do not raise the wheel suspension higher than the normal vehicle position (vehicle resting on wheels).

→ Avoid contact with caustic fluid.

→ Wear personal protective gear.

→ Ensure that there is good ventilation.

→ If you do come into contact, wash off immediately with plenty of warm water and contact a doctor if necessary.

→ Do not spill fluids.

→ In the event of contact, wash the component or surface with water.

→ Replace components that are already damaged.

Information 

Working with steel flexi-pipes

• Steel flexi-pipes are particularly prone to kinking and pinching. 
• Be particularly careful with steel flexi-pipes during removal, storage and reinstallation. 
• Mark the installation position of the pipe with a paint marker during removal. 
• Steel flexi-pipes must never be installed twisted. 
  Fig 1: Identifying Rear Axle Housing

  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. Remove the required covers from the side panel in the luggage compartment. → Detaching side panel cover, shown on left side 
   Fig 2: Detaching Side Panel Cover In Luggage Compartment

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   1. 1.1. Carefully pull off PASM connector → Disconnecting PASM connector. 
      Fig 3: Disconnecting PASM Connector

      Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. Only remove vibration damper at the top! → 429319 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR SHOCK ABSORBER (SPRING DAMPER) 
3. Release brake calliper (do not open the brake system!) and hang it at a suitable position in the wheel housing. → 474119 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR BRAKE CALLIPER
4. Unclip rear left combination connector on the left anti-roll-bar mount.
5. Unclip rear left combination connector on the PDCC valve block holder.
6. Unclip rear right combination connector (PU part) on the right anti-roll-bar mount.
7. Unclip both connectors (differential lock and valve block for air suspension) at the right of the rear axle housing, ahead of the anti-roll bar.
8. Loosen all connections on the compressor except the fastening screws. → 431519 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPRESSOR FOR LEVELLING SYSTEM
9. Mark position of rear axle housing (chassis subframe) on the body (this makes installation easier!).
   1. 9.1. A marking should be applied at least two front screw-on points on the rear axle housing (chassis subframe). This gives a rough idea of the correct position for re-installation.
   2. 9.2. Mark the installation position of the rear axle housing at least two places on the body using a felt-tip pen for example. Make the marks with respect to the floor of the body (e.g. mark along the rear axle housing mount with the pen) → Marking (example). 
      Fig 4: Example Of Rear Axle Installation Position Marking

      Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
10. Disconnect air-spring connections -arrows-  and close them off using suitable stoppers.
    1. 10.1. Unclip air springs at the top and pull them down. Air springs remain on the trailing arms during removal.
       Fig 5: Disconnecting Air-Spring Connections

       Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

       Information 

       Collect power-steering fluid.

       • Before loosening the pressure and return lines (also PDCC), place a suitable container underneath to collect power-steering fluid. 
       • Wear protective goggles and gloves. 
11. Disconnect PDCC lines in front of the left wheel housing using loosening tool 9780  .
12. Lift the rear axle housing using the Master Gear unit elevating platform WE 1206  .
    1. 12.1. Jacking points for the assembly frame in the rear axle housing (view from below here) -arrows-  .
       Fig 6: Locating Rear Axle Housing Jacking Points

       Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    2. 12.2. Place elevating platform Master Gear unit elevating platform WE 1206  under the vehicle and move all assembly drivers to the same height at the correct position. Push into the jacking points provided. → Rear axle and elevating platform (example) 
       Fig 7: Example Of Rear Axle And Elevating Platform

       Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

       Information 

       • Before moving the lifting platform, mark the position of the wheels on the workshop floor with a piece of chalk. This makes it easier to position the platform again for re-installation. 
13. Remove the mounting elements from the rear axle housing and carefully remove the axle without hitting against adjacent components.

    Information 

    If you are replacing the rear axle housing  (chassis subframe), the accessories must also be converted as required following a visual inspection.