Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing and installing propshaft on Audi A8 Special tools and workshop equipment required

t  Assembly tool -3139-

t  Counterhold tool -T10172- with adapters -T10172/5-

t  Engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A- with universal support -V.A.G 1359/2- Removing propshaft   Note t  Observe notes → Chapter. t  Repairs on the propshaft should be carried out on a two pillar hoist.

–  Disconnect exhaust system at clamps -1- and -2-.

–  Remove both cross pieces -A- and -B-. –  Remove rear section of exhaust system -C- → Rep. Gr.26.

–  Remove heat shield -arrows-.

–  Remove bolts -arrows- and secure main catalytic converters to side of underbody.   Note The flexible pipe connection (de-coupling element) on the front exhaust pipe must not be bent more than 10° – otherwise it can be damaged.

–  Unbolt heat shield -A- from gearbox -arrows-.

–  If fitted, remove cover for rear final drive -arrows A and B-.

–  Check whether there is a factory marking (coloured dot) -arrows A and B- on the propshaft flange and on the rear final drive flange. –  If not, mark position of propshaft flange -arrow A- in relation to rear final drive flange -arrow B- with paint marker.

–  Attach assembly tool -3139- with -3139/4-, and tighten the plastic nuts.   Note Do not fit assembly tool onto balance plates.

–  Remove bolts -arrows- securing centre bearing.

–  Remove bolts from connection between propshaft and gearbox (counterhold using counterhold tool -T10172- with -T10172/5-). –  Remove propshaft from gearbox and support propshaft with engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A-.

–  Remove bolts -1- (6x) on rear CV joint. –  Use counterhold tool -T10172- with adapters -T10172/5-. –  Remove the propshaft.   Note The propshaft must be kept straight when it is stored or transported. Installing propshaft on Audi A8 Perform installation in reverse sequence of removal. Note the following: t  Remove old, dried-out high-temperature grease from CV joints and flanges for propshaft. Put in exactly the same quantity of fresh high-temperature grease -G 052 133 A2-. t  Clean all remaining locking fluid out of the tapped holes in the propshaft flange shafts on the gearbox and rear final drive. The threads can be cleaned with a thread tap. Otherwise the securing bolts can shear off when they are screwed in. t  After detaching the propshaft from the rear final drive, the additional balancing washer (thicker washer) that may be fitted between the lock plate and one of the securing bolts must not be reinstalled. t  Always install new securing bolts for propshaft (self-locking bolts). t  Note correct position of propshaft: the central CV joint is located behind the centre bearing and towards the rear final drive.

t  Make sure that the marks on the propshaft flange -arrow A- and on the gearbox/final drive flange -arrow B- are in line. t  If a new propshaft is being installed and the factory marking on the rear final drive flange is no longer visible, the radial run-out at the flange for the propshaft must be measured → Chapter, and the coloured marking on the new propshaft must be aligned with the new marking on the flange. –  Gaskets for propshaft on flanges of gearbox and rear final drive must be renewed. Degrease sealing surfaces and glue on new gaskets.

–  Bring propshaft into position and fit new bolts at rear final drive -arrows- and at gearbox.

–  Screw in securing bolts -arrows- so that centre bearing can still be moved.

–  Tighten bolts -1- securing propshaft on rear final drive to specified torque → Item. –  Use counterhold tool -T10172- with adapters -T10172/5-.

–  Tighten bolts securing propshaft (front end) to specified setting → Item. –  Use counterhold tool -T10172- with adapters -T10172/5-. –  Remove assembly tool -3139-.

Moving centre bearing to central position: –  Slacken securing bolts for centre bearing slightly. –  Move propshaft forward onto stop and mark position of centre bearing on body -arrow A-. –  Move propshaft to rear onto stop and mark position of centre bearing on body -arrow B-. –  Move propshaft to right onto stop and mark position of centre bearing on body -arrow 1-. –  Move propshaft to left onto stop and mark position of centre bearing on body -arrow 2-. –  Move propshaft to central position -arrow C- and -arrow 3-. l  The centre bearing must be positioned in central position between marks -arrow A- and -arrow B- and between -arrow 1- and -arrow 2-. –  Tighten securing bolts of centre bearing to torque → Item.

Continued: –  Install heat shield below centre bearing -arrows-.

–  Install heat shield -A--arrows-.

–  Install cover for rear final drive (if previously removed). Tightening torques: -arrows A- → Item and -arrows B- → Item. –  Install exhaust system and perform stress-free alignment → Rep. Gr.26.

–  Install both cross pieces -A- and -B- → Rep. Gr.66. Tightening torques

Component	Nm
Heat shield for propshaft to gearbox	25