Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals > A2 > Running gear, front-wheel drive | Front suspension, drive shafts | Drive shafts (basic running gear) | Removing and installing drive shafts (vehicles with forged-steel wishbone)

Removing

–	Lift vehicle far enough to take weight off front wheels.

Vehicles with hexagon socket nut (pressed-steel version) for drive shaft

–	Remove hexagon socket nut from drive shaft with 19 mm hexagon key, e.g. Hazet No. 985.

–	When re-installing, replace pressed-steel hexagon socket nut with 12-point nut on both sides.

Vehicles with 12-point nut

–	Remove 12-point nut from drive shaft with 36 mm socket -T10125-.

All vehicles (continued):

–	Remove wheel.

–	Remove noise insulation.

Right drive shaft (vehicles with petrol engine)

–	If fitted, detach guard plate from pendulum support.

–	If fitted, detach guard plate above drive shaft from engine.

Both sides (continued):

–	Unbolt drive shaft from flange shaft on gearbox.

–	Unscrew nut from swivel joint; if necessary counterhold with T40 Torx key.

1 -	Torx key T40

2 -	Ring spanner insert or slotted ring spanner insert → Anchor, Fig. V40-1323

3 -	Torque wrench -V.A.G 1331-

–	Apply ball joint puller -3287 A--1- as shown in the illustration and press out swivel joint.

Note!

Take care not to damage rubber boot when inserting ball joint puller.

–	Press out drive shaft.

Note!

Ensure sufficient clearance when pressing out drive shaft.

–	Pivot suspension strut outwards and support in position.

–	Take out drive shaft.

Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals