Removing and installing propshaft with non-detachable centre bearing (from 05.07 onwards, not TT RS or RS 3) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012), Audi TT Mk2 (8J, 2006–2014)

Don't miss

• Risk of damage to flexible joints in exhaust system. The flexible joint in the front exhaust pipe must not be bent further than 10°. — Disconnect exhaust system at clamp (arrows).
• When loosening and tightening propshaft bolts, counterhold at rear final drive using counterhold tool T10172 and adapters T10172/5.
• The seal (arrow) in the flange of the propshaft must not be damaged.Pull off propshaft horizontally from centring pin.
• Check whether there is a factory marking (coloured dot) on the flexible coupling and on the flange for the propshaft on the rear final drive (arrows).
• If not, mark position of flexible coupling and flange for propshaft on rear final drive in relation to each other (arrows).

📋 Procedure

1. Remove noise insulation (arrows).
2. Remove centre noise insulation (fasteners 1 ... 4).
3. Remove noise insulation (front) (1) and (2)General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Exploded view - noise insulation.
4. Unbolt bracket for exhaust system (arrows).
5. Unscrew bolts (arrows) and detach cross piece.

6. If fitted, remove cross member on underbody (arrows).
7. ⚠ Risk of damage to flexible joints in exhaust system. The flexible joint in the front exhaust pipe must not be bent further than 10°. — Disconnect exhaust system at clamp (arrows).
8. Tie up front exhaust pipe on underbody.
9. Remove rear section of exhaust system: Audi A3 Engine, mechanics26; Audi TT 26Exhaust pipes/silencers; Exploded view - silencers.
10. Remove entire exhaust system: Audi A3 Engine, mechanics26; Audi TT 26Exhaust pipes/silencers; Exploded view - silencers.
11. When loosening and tightening propshaft bolts, counterhold at rear final drive using counterhold tool T10172 and adapters T10172/5.
12. Unbolt propshaft from bevel box (arrows).
13. Remove bolts (1) and (2) for pendulum support.
14. Push engine/gearbox assembly forwards and secure in position with a suitable block of wood (A).
15. During this step, carefully detach propshaft tube from centring pin on bevel box. [Note: The seal (arrow) in the flange of the propshaft must not be damaged.Pull off propshaft horizontally from centring pin.]
16. Support rear section of propshaft using engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
17. Secure propshaft against falling using belt from universal gearbox supportV.A.G 1359/2.
18. Unscrew bolts securing centre bearing and heat shield (arrows).
19. Detach heat shield.
20. Check whether there is a factory marking (coloured dot) on the flexible coupling and on the flange for the propshaft on the rear final drive (arrows).
21. If not, mark position of flexible coupling and flange for propshaft on rear final drive in relation to each other (arrows).
22. Remove bolts (arrows) securing propshaft to rear final drive.
23. Pull propshaft off rear final drive and lay it on engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
24. Always make sure that you do not damage the bush (arrow) when pulling off and refitting the propshaft. [Note: Do not tilt propshaft when removing; pull off centring pin horizontally. Make sure that the seal in the centring sleeve (arrow) does not become damaged.] [Note: A second mechanic is required for the next steps when removing the propshaft.]
25. ⚠ To avoid damaging the protective sleeve in the centre bearing, keep the propshaft as straight as possible during removal, installation and storage. — Take out the propshaft towards the rear, keeping it as straight as possible.
26. Install all parts in the same relative positions, as marked before removal.
27. Attach propshaft to rear final drive so that the markings (arrows) align.
28. Tighten bolts securing propshaft. Tightening torques and .
29. Position the centre bearing in its elongated holes so that the propshaft and centre bearing are not under stress.
30. Tighten bolts with washers (1). Make sure the bolts with washers (1) are within the centring tabs on heat shield (2). Tightening torque
31. Secure pendulum support with new bolts. Tightening torques: Audi A3 Running gear, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive40; Audi TT 34Assembly mountings; Exploded view - assembly mountings.
32. Install exhaust system and align so it is free of stress: Audi A3 Engine, mechanics26; Audi TT 26Exhaust pipes/silencers; Exploded view - silencers.
33. If previously fitted, install cross member on underbody (arrows): Audi A3 Engine, mechanics26; Audi TT 26Exhaust pipes/silencers; Exploded view - silencers.
34. Install noise insulation: Audi A3 General body repairs, exterior66; Audi TT General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Exploded view - noise insulation.

Other AUDI procedures

• Removing and installing toothed belt – Audi · 56 torque figures
• Removing engine – Audi A8 D3 · 41 torque figures
• Removing camshaft timing chain from camshafts – Audi A6/A7 C7 · 38 torque figures
• Installing engine – Audi A8 D4 · 36 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshaft timing chain · 29 torque figures
• Checking cooling output of air conditioner (rear)
• Exploded view - rear brake for front-wheel drive vehicles
• Exploded view - rear brake for four-wheel drive vehicles
• Overview of components: electronic parking brake and handbrake (EPB)
• Servicing brake caliper (ceramic brakes)