Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing and installing rear final drive (Audi A8) Special tools and workshop equipment required

t  Engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A-

Removing –  Remove rear cross member -1-.   Note A second mechanic is required for removing the rear section of the exhaust system. –  Remove rear section of exhaust system -2- → Engine, mechanics; Rep. gr.26. –  Detach propshaft from rear final drive → Chapter.

–  To support propshaft -B-, place a wooden block -A- (approx. 40 mm high) on rear cross member -C-.   Note The propshaft can be bent as far as the stop at the centre joint, but must not be subjected to any kind of force. The centre joint or the protective boot can be damaged if the joint is forced against its stop.

–  Remove bolts -arrows- and detach heat shield -1- for drive shaft (left-side). –  Unbolt drive shafts (left and right) from rear final drive → Running gear, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive; Rep. gr.42.

–  Unplug electrical connectors -1 ... 5- and move wiring harness clear -arrow-.

–  Remove bolt -1- and slacken bolts -2-.

–  Place engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A- below rear final drive, with wooden block -A- on support plate of jack, and take up weight of final drive.   Note Make sure that the support plate of the engine and gearbox jack does not come into contact with the fuel tank. –  Remove bolts -arrows-.

–  Push rear final drive towards the left -arrow A-. –  Lift drive shaft (right-side) -1- clear. –  In order to detach flange shaft (left-side) from drive shaft, lower rear final drive at right side first -arrow B-. –  Secure rear final drive with a strap and lower final drive further using engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A-. Installing Installation is carried out in reverse sequence; note the following:   WARNING Malfunctions can occur on rear final drive! Additional work is required if the rear final drive has been renewed → Chapter. l  Tightening torques → Chapter –  Secure drive shafts to rear final drive → Running gear, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive; Rep. gr.42. –  Install propshaft → Anchor. –  Install exhaust system → Engine, mechanics; Rep. gr.26 and align so it is free of stress. –  Check gear oil level in rear final drive → Chapter. –  Check ATF level in rear final drive → Chapter. l  Additional work is required if the rear final drive has been renewed → Chapter „Additional work required after renewing rear final drive“.