Special tools and workshop equipment required
Removing
- Loosen the drive axle threaded connection on the wheel side. Refer to → Chapter "Drive Axle Threaded Connection, Loosening and Tightening".
- Remove the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".
- Remove the noise insulation -1-. Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.66; Noise Insulation; Noise Insulation, Removing and Installing.
- If installed, disconnect the vehicle level control system sensor coupling rod from the control arm by removing the nut -4-.
- Remove the right drive axle heat shield. Refer to → Chapter "Drive Axle Heat Shield, Removing and Installing".
- Remove the nuts -arrows- from the ball joint.
- Remove the control arm from the ball joint.
Note
Pay attention during the assembly work that the ball joint rubber boot is not damaged. If necessary protect the ball joint rubber boot against damage.
- Pivot the suspension strut outward, while doing so push the drive axle out of the wheel bearing unit.
- Slide outer joint out of wheel hub by hand.
- Secure the drive axle to keep it from falling down.
Note
In order to remove the driveshaft from the transmission using the Puller - Driveshaft -T10382-, the suspension strut and all its components must be pulled to the back. Be careful not to damage any parts, for example, brake hose, ABS line.
- Align the Puller - Driveshaft -T10382-.
- Attach the Puller - Driveshaft -T10382- to the Slide Hammer Set -VW771-.
Note
In order to remove the drive axle from the transmission using the Puller - Driveshaft -T10382-, the suspension strut and all its components must be pulled to the back.
- Pull the suspension strut and its components using the Tensioning Strap -T10038- as far as possible to the back, for example on the workshop hoist arm, until the Puller - Driveshaft -T10382- can be installed parallel to the drive axle.
- Insert the Puller - Driveshaft -T10382- and remove the drive axle with a few hits on the Slide Hammer Set -VW771-.
- Remove the drive axle from the vehicle.
Installing
Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Remove any paint residue and/or corrosion in threads/splines of outer joint.
Vehicles with all wheel drive:
Caution
Note
Never use a hammer or mallet!
- Tap on the front side of the stub shaft using a plastic mallet.
Continuation for all vehicles
- Install the new circlip into the stub shaft groove on the transmission.
- Lightly grease the stub shaft splines with Universal Grease. Refer to the Parts Catalog.
- Bring outer and inner splines of the transmission and CV joint into engagement.
- Grab the drive axle by hand and push it into the CV joint up to the stop.
- Now push the CV joint with one jerk onto the transmission stub shaft.
- Make sure the CV joint is seated securely, to do this pull the CV joint against the resistance of the securing ring.
Caution
When checking, only pull on the CV joint piece and not on the drive axle.
- Remove the Tensioning Strap -T10038-.
- Install the outer joint as far as possible into the wheel hub splines.
- Attach the ball joint to the control arm -arrows-.
Note
Make sure the ball joint boot is not damaged or twisted.
- Tighten the driveshaft to wheel hub threaded connection. Refer to → Chapter "Drive Axle Threaded Connection, Loosening and Tightening".
- Install the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".
- On vehicles with electronically controlled damping, perform the function "Adapt the control position" with the Vehicle Diagnosis Tester.
- If the control position was reprogrammed and if the vehicle has lane assist, then it will then be necessary to calibrate the driver assistance systems front camera. Refer to → Chapter "Driver Assistance Systems Front Camera, Calibrating".
- On vehicles with level control system sensor, perform headlamp basic setting. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.94; Headlamp, Adjusting.