Adjusting propshaft: Audi A8 D2

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D2 (4D)

• Also covered elsewhere: Electronic parts catalogue Fit selected shims on left and right

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• Adjustments must be carried out with the greatest possible care since a poorly adjusted propshaft is often the cause of vibration and droning.
• On the short propshaft the diameters of the front and the rear part of the propshaft are equal (∅ 60 mm).Do not fit assembly tool onto balance plates.
• On the long propshaft the diameters of the front and the rear part of the propshaft are different (front: ∅ 60 mm, rear: ∅ 70 mm).Do not fit assembly tool onto balance plates.
• On vehicles with the short USA propshaft, the assembly tool3213 with spacers 3139/3 can also be used.
• Mark position of centre propshaft bearing in relation to body (arrow A).

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Contact corrosion! Notes . — Observe notes . [Note: Adjustments must be carried out with the greatest possible care since a poorly adjusted propshaft is often the cause of vibration and droning.]
2. Partially remove front section of exhaust system 26.
3. Remove cross member (left arrows).
4. Unfasten clamps (right arrows), detach rear section of exhaust system and remove.
5. Remove heat shields above propshaft (arrows).

6. Remove tunnel support (arrows). [Note: On the short propshaft the diameters of the front and the rear part of the propshaft are equal (∅ 60 mm).Do not fit assembly tool onto balance plates.]
7. Attach assembly tool3139 and tighten plastic nuts. [Note: On the long propshaft the diameters of the front and the rear part of the propshaft are different (front: ∅ 60 mm, rear: ∅ 70 mm).Do not fit assembly tool onto balance plates.]
8. Attach assembly tool3139 with spacers 3139/3 and tighten plastic nuts. [Note: On the USA-version propshaft (with cover tube), the diameters of the front and the rear parts of the propshaft are different (front: ∅ 60 mm, rear: ∅ 70 mm).(Arrow) points in direction of travel.Do not fit assembly tool onto balance plates.Take care not to damage surface of propshaft.]
9. Attach assembly tool3139 with spacers 3139/3 and tighten plastic nuts. [Note: On vehicles with the short USA propshaft, the assembly tool3213 with spacers 3139/3 can also be used.]
10. Unscrew bolts for centre bearing and remove shims.
11. Align centre propshaft bearing so that gap (a) is the same on both sides.
12. Measure gaps (a).
13. Determine shim(s) according to following table: for part numbers refer to Electronic parts catalogue
14. Fit selected shims on left and right.
15. Push propshaft with assembly tool towards the rear as far as it will go.
16. Mark position of centre propshaft bearing in relation to body (arrow A).
17. Then slide propshaft with assembly tool forwards as far as it will go.
18. Mark position of centre propshaft bearing in relation to body (arrow B).
19. Align propshaft at centre (arrow C):
20. Fit selected shims and tighten bolts of centre propshaft bearing.
21. Remove the assembly tool.
22. Install exhaust system and perform stress-free alignment 26.

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