Table of contents: Except for Quattro models ↓ Quattro ↓
Except for Quattro models
Removal
Caution: When loosening or tightening the axle nuts (shafts), make sure the car is on the ground. The tightening torque of the nut is quite high and therefore when trying to loosen the nut, the car may fall off the stands. A puller is required for this operation.
Remove the nut at the end of the axle shaft.
Raise and securely support the vehicle. Remove the wheels. If there is ABS, move the speed sensor from its mount.
On the right side, remove the axle shaft protective plate.
Disconnect the axle shaft from the gearbox (leading bridge). Secure the axle shaft with wire.
Using a 4-jaw puller mounted on the wheel hub, press the axle shaft out of the hub.
With the inner end of the shaft pointing over the gearbox, do the following:
- a Remove the stabilizer bar clamps.
- b Remove the bolt securing the ball joint to the hub.
- c Press the axle shaft out of the hub.
- d Turn the shock absorber strut outward and press the axle shaft out of the hub.
Installation
When installing, make sure the splines are clean and free of grease. Apply a bead of RTV sealant around the front end of the splines. Allow it to dry for at least 1 hour after installation.
Install the drive axle and half shaft connecting flange bolts and tighten them to a torque of 43 Nm.
Install the protective plate. If ABS is installed, install the speed sensor.
With the vehicle lowered to the ground with the wheels installed, tighten the axle nuts to a torque of 275 Nm.
Quattro
Removal
Remove the wheel cap and loosen the wheel nuts. Remove the protective cap and unscrew the axle nut or through bolt, if applicable.
Raise and securely support the vehicle. Remove the wheels on vehicles with ABS, partially pull the speed sensor out of its mount. If necessary, remove the right support plate.
Disconnect the axle shaft from the drive axle flange and place it aside.
Using a suitable puller, press the pivot pin out of the hub. To do this, use only a mechanical or hydraulic puller. Never use hot air or flame to heat the trunnion (cam).
Installation
Replace the gasket on the inner CV joint.
Make sure that the splines on the steering pin (cam) and on the wheel hub are free of oil, grease and old sealant. Apply a layer of sealant approximately 1.5 mm wide around the splines and install the half shaft. Allow the sealant to harden for about 1 hour after installation.
Install and tighten the axle shaft and axle connection bolts to 79 Nm and install the wheel.
After lowering the vehicle to the ground, tighten the nut on the end of the shaft (semi-axle) to a torque of 28 Nm.