Volkswagen Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Vehicles with an automatic gearbox are equipped with different inner joints (Tripodic). These joints have three rollers which are evenly offset 120° on a tripod.

Servicing the inner joint is not possible at present. If damaged the complete drive shaft must be replaced (minus outer joint).

Removing right-hand drive shaft

Removing and installing drive shafts remains unchanged (vehicles with air deflector on wishbone, this must be removed).

Removing left-hand drive shaft

• ‒ → Insert support device.

• ‒ → Remove rear gearbox mounting bolt (arrow).

• ‒ → Remove front engine mounting bolt (arrow).
• ‒ Lift engine/gearbox assembly.
• ‒ Loosen hexagon nut with vehicle standing on its wheels.

• ‒ Disconnect drive shaft from gearbox drive flange.
• ‒ → Remove bolts (arrow A).
• ‒ Loosen bolt (arrow B).
• ‒ Swing wheel outwards (insert wood or something similar between suspension strut and wheel housing if necessary).
• ‒ Push engine/gearbox assembly forwards and remove drive shaft.

Installing

• ‒ Fit drive shaft.
• ‒ Connect ball joint to wishbone.
• ‒ Fit drive shaft to gearbox flange shaft and secure.