Gearbox removal & installation: Re-determining shim "“S"4” when renewing bearing housing — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A4 Cabriolet B6/B7 (8H), Audi A4 B6/B7 (8E)

• Special tools named: T40100, VAS 6087, dial gauge

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• Apply dial gauge extension exactly at centre of intersection of ribs on gearbox cover (arrow).

🔩 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. Clean housing flanges.
2. Place straightedge (e.g. T40100, 39.70 mm wide) (1) on housing flange.
3. Measure difference between depth (a) on old and new bearing housing with a digital depth gauge (e.g. VAS 6087).
4. If new bearing housing is deeper, install a thicker "“S"4” shim.
5. If previous bearing housing is deeper, install a thinner "“S"4” shim.

6. Press tapered roller bearing outer race with shim "“S"4” into bearing housing .
7. Insert completely assembled pinion shaft into gearbox housing again.
8. Fit bearing housing and gearbox cover and tighten bolts to 35 Nm. — 35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. Turn pinion shaft 5 turns in each direction so that tapered roller bearings seat properly.
10. Fit assembly deviceVW 792 on gearbox housing; when doing so, insert an M12 nut (A) between assembly device VW 792 and gearbox housing.
11. Fit universal dial gauge bracketVW 387 with dial gauge and 30 mm extension. [Note: Apply dial gauge extension exactly at centre of intersection of ribs on gearbox cover (arrow).]
12. Set dial gauge (3 mm measuring range) to "“0”" with 1 mm preload.
13. Loosen gearbox cover bolts and turn pinion shaft several times.
14. If the correct shims have been selected the dial gauge will now indicate the following value:

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