Removing and installing front gearbox supports and gearbox mountings — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D3 (4E, 2002–2010)

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• You must always detach both front gearbox mountings from subframe.
• If fitted, also install retaining bracket for Lambda probe wiring (G) between gearbox and gearbox support.
• The required thicknesses of the spacer shims (C) (right and left) must be calculated in order to adjust gearbox mountings.Spacer shims are supplied with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mm thickness Electronic parts catalogue.

🔩 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. Drive vehicle onto inspection pit so that all four wheels have contact with the ground.
2. Remove air duct (1) from gearbox.
3. Remove noise insulation (2) below engine/gearbox.
4. Remove bolts (1) and (2) at rear of subframe on both sides of vehicle 40.
5. Remove supports for subframe (A).

6. Remove the two bolts (B) (right and left) securing the gearbox mountings to the subframe. [Note: You must always detach both front gearbox mountings from subframe.]
7. Bolt gearbox support (H) (right-side) to gearbox, noting tightening sequence of bolts (1 ... 3). [Note: If fitted, also install retaining bracket for Lambda probe wiring (G) between gearbox and gearbox support.]
8. Note tightening sequence from (1 ... 3).
9. Insert gearbox mounting (D) together with heat shield (E) and washer (F) into gearbox support.
10. Secure nut with washer (I) hand-tight.
11. Bolt gearbox support (left-side) (G) to gearbox.
12. Insert gearbox mounting (D) together with heat shield (E) and washer (F) into gearbox support.
13. Secure nut with washer (I) hand-tight.
14. Install bolts (1) and (2) at rear of subframe with supports (A). Tightening torques 40
15. Tighten right and left bolts (B) 3 ... 5 turns each.
16. Secure nut with washer (I) initially to 5 Nm. — 5 Nm (3.7 lb-ft)
17. To avoid tension you may have to re-align gearbox mounting and gearbox support. [Note: The required thicknesses of the spacer shims (C) (right and left) must be calculated in order to adjust gearbox mountings.Spacer shims are supplied with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mm thickness Electronic parts catalogue.]
18. Place as many spacer shims between gearbox mounting (D) and subframe (A) as it is just possible to insert without applying force.
19. Remove spacer shims.
20. Add up the thickness of the single spacer shims to calculate the gap width.
21. Slightly lift gearbox with engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
22. Install spacer shims according to the calculated thickness, using as few shims as possible (not more than three on each side).
23. Then lower gearbox.
24. Tighten all bolts to specified torque.
25. Install noise insulation (2) below engine/gearbox.
26. Install air duct (1).

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