Driveshaft, removing and installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Volkswagen R32. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Work on the driveshaft should only be done with the vehicle on a two column hoist.

NOTE:

Mark positions of all parts to each other before removing. Reinstall in identical position otherwise imbalance will be too high. This could result in damage to the bearing or in droning noises.
Do not bend driveshaft, only store and move it fully extended.

Fig 1: Identifying Bracket & Exhaust System

GW00001781

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove bracket - 1 - above exhaust system - arrows -.
Disconnect exhaust system at double clamp - 2 - and remove with catalytic converter (second technician required) → 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 1.8 LITER 4-CYL. 5V TURBO ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): AWD, AWW, AWP (A4 PLATFORM), 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 1.9 LITER 4-CYL. 2V TDI ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): ALH (A4 PLATFORM), 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 1.9 LITER 4-CYL. 2V TDI PD ENGINE MECHANICAL, FUEL INJECTION GLOW PLUG, ENGINE CODE(S): BEW (A4 PLATFORM), 26 EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 2.0 LITER 4-CYL. 2V ENGINE MECHANICAL, FUEL INJECTION & IGNITION, ENGINE CODE(S): AEG, AVH, AZG, BBW, BEV (A4 PLATFORM), 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 2.8 LITER VR6 2V ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): AFP (A4 PLATFORM), 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 2.8 LITER VR6 4V ENGINE MECHANICAL, ENGINE CODE(S): BDF (A4 PLATFORM) and 26 - EXHAUST SYSTEM, EMISSION CONTROLS for 3.2 LITER VR6 4V ENGINE MECHANICAL, FUEL INJECTION IGNITION, ENGINE CODE(S): BJS (A4 PLATFORM) .
Remove center and front shielding plates.

Fig 2: Identifying Bolts For Flexible Disc With Heat Shield

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Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Unscrew flexible disc with heat shield from front driveshaft tube (only one of three bolts is visible here - arrow - ).

Fig 3: Identifying Pendulum Support On Subframe

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Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove pendulum support from subframe - arrows A -

Fig 4: Identifying Front Driveshaft Tube From Rear Driveshaft Tube

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Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove front driveshaft tube from rear driveshaft tube - arrows -.
Carefully push engine/transmission toward front.
Carefully pull off driveshaft tube at front from centering pin.

Fig 5: Identifying Sealing Rings In Driveshaft Flanges

GW00001943

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

NOTE:

Sealing rings in driveshaft flanges must not be damaged when removing and installing.

Swing front driveshaft tube downward and remove.

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Bolts

GW00001771

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Unscrew rear driveshaft tube with flexible disc and vibration dampener from rear final drive - arrows -.
Remove intermediate bearing for driveshaft from vehicle.
Carefully pull off driveshaft tube at rear from centering pin.

NOTE:

Flexible disc and vibration dampener cannot be separated from each other.

Fig 7: Identifying Sealing Rings In Driveshaft Flanges

GW00001943

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Do not cant driveshaft when removing, pull off from centering pin in a horizontal position. Seal/centering sleeve - arrow - must not be damaged, otherwise driveshaft must be replaced.