Driveshaft, 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.

-- Lift the vehicle, all four mounts from lifting platform at the same height.

-- Move the selector lever into >>N<<.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

-- Remove the complete exhaust system. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 2.0L , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 3.6L .

-- Remove the rear muffler heat shield. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - HEAT SHIELD .

-- Remove the fuel delivery unit cover from the vehicle interior under the right rear seat. Refer to [For engine(s) CDVC, DTFA] Fuel Delivery Unit/Fuel Level Sensor .

-- Release the connector -arrow- on the sealing flange and remove from the fuel delivery unit.

Fig 1: Fuel Pump Control Module Connector

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-- Remove the drive axle heat shield -1-, if equipped, from the bevel box (-arrows-). Refer to Drive Axle .

Fig 2: AWD:

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The right drive axle heat shield is attached with two or three nuts.

-- Remove the bolts -A and B- on the bevel box and remove the heat shield -1-.

Fig 3: Driveshaft Heat Shield

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-- Remove the center tunnel heat shield under the intermediate bearing. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - HEAT SHIELD .

-- Remove the tunnel brace. Refer to TUNNEL BRACE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Loosen the driveshaft bolts from the front bevel box -arrows- but do not remove.

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-- Loosen the driveshaft bolts on the rear final drive -arrows- but do not remove.

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

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-- To loosen or tighten, counterhold the driveshaft on the rear final drive.

Fig 5: Counterholding Rear Final Drive To Loosen And Tighten Driveshaft

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-- Before removing, see if there is a marking (color dot) on the flexible disc and on the final drive flange -arrows-. If not, mark the position of the flexible disc and flange/driveshaft on the final drive with respect to one another -arrows-.

Fig 6: Aligning Markings On Driveshaft At Flange Of Haldex Clutch

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-- Also mark the position of the driveshaft with respect to the flange on the front bevel box -arrows-.

Fig 7: Mark Position Of Driveshaft

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-- Loosen all of the intermediate bearing bolts. Remove the two bolts completely. The two remaining bolts -arrows- secure the driveshaft until its ultimate removal.

Fig 8: Secure Intermediate Bearing To Body With Two Bolts

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NOTE:

For removal of the driveshaft the tank does not have to be removed. It is lowered inward until the driveshaft can be removed.

-- Support the fuel tank -1- using the :VAS6931 -2- as shown.

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-- Remove the bolts -A, C, E and F-.

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Because the tank is only slightly lowered on one side, the bolts -B and D- remain installed.

NOTE:

For clarity the fuel tank is shown without the :VAS6931 .

-- Carefully lower the fuel tank approximately 90 mm using the :VAS6931 . Refer to FUEL TANK, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the driveshaft bolts on the rear final drive -arrows-.

Fig 9: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

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Replace the bolts after removing them.

NOTE:

Now only the alignment pins and the intermediate bearing hold the driveshaft in position at the rear.

A second technician is needed to for the further removal of the driveshaft.

-- While a technician holds the driveshaft in the installation position, remove the driveshaft bolts from the front bevel box -arrows-.

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Replace the bolts after removing them.

NOTE:

The driveshaft is now held in its position only by the alignment pins on the driveshaft and the intermediate bearing.

When Removing and Installing the Driveshaft, Always Be Careful Not to Damage the Front and Rear Bushings -arrow-.

Fig 10: Identifying Sealing Rings In Driveshaft Flanges

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To remove the driveshaft from the alignment pin on the bevel box the >>transmission<< must be pushed slightly forward.

-- Remove the two remaining bolts -arrows- from the intermediate bearing and remove the driveshaft in its fully extended position toward the rear.

Fig 11: Secure Intermediate Bearing To Body With Two Bolts

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WARNING:

To prevent damaging the protective boot in the center bearing, remove and install the drive axle in its fully extended position; likewise, store it in this position.