Drive Axle, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Loosen the outer drive axle threaded connection. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

CAUTION:

Do not load the wheel bearing if the wheel-side drive axle threaded connection is loose.

If the wheel bearings are under the load of the vehicle weight, the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings.

The drive axle bolt may be loosened maximum 90° when the vehicle is standing on its wheels.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If a vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:

Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.
Tighten the outer joint to 120 Nm.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheel.

-- If equipped, disengage the bracket on the transverse link.

Left Drive Axle for Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor

-- Remove the Left Rear Level Control System Sensor -G76-. Refer to LEFT/RIGHT REAR LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM SENSOR -G76- / -G77-, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Vehicles with Stone Chip Protection

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-- Remove the expanding rivets -1-.

-- Remove the bolts -2- for the stone chip protection -3-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Insert the Spring Compressor -3-.

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Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Retainer with Inserts:VAG1752/3A
Spring Compressor Kit - Adapter Blocks:VAG1752/9
Spring Compressor Kit - Spring Tensioner:VAG1752/1
Spring

WARNING:

Make sure the coil spring is seated correctly in the :VAG1752/3A -arrow- (danger of accident).

NOTE:

Use a wrench or a reversible ratchet to tighten the spring compressor.

-- Tension the coil spring.

NOTE:

The Spring Compressor remains with the spring in the vehicle.

-- Remove the nut -1-.

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NOTE:

The bolt -2- is not removed.

-- Remove the nut -3- and then the bolt -4- for the wheel bearing housing threaded connection.

-- Remove the bolt -1- for the tie rod -2-.

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Only Right Drive Axle.

-- Remove the right rear muffler.

Continuation for Both Sides

-- Remove the drive axle from the transmission flange.

-- Tilt the wheel bearing housing outward and remove the drive axle from the transmission flange.

-- Pivot the drive axle downward and remove it from the wheel bearing.

If the Drive Axle Cannot be Pulled Out of the Wheel Bearing, then the Drive Axle can be Pushed Out of the Wheel Bearing Using the :T10520 .

Before using the :T10520 , make sure that the thrust piece -1- is installed.

Fig 1: Locating Thrust Piece

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Using the :T10520 :

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-- Secure the :T10520 -1- with three wheel bolts -2- on the wheel hub, so that the drive axle -3- can be pressed out.

-- Follow the specified sequence exactly.

Fig 2: Drive Axle Loosening Sequence

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I - Tighten the knurled nut -1- hand-tight.

II - Only turn the bolt -2- using a wrench and press out the drive axle using the :T10520 .

NOTE:

At the end of the tasks or to set back, the spindles must be brought back into the original position so that the hydraulic operation can be used.

-- Remove the drive axle.