Removing and installing rear propshaft — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Apply the handbrake, engage first gear and check or make alignment marks at both joints. Remove the bracket if fitted, undo the lower three bolts at front and rear, then switch to neutral, turn the shaft 180° and re-engage gear to remove the remaining bolts and the centre bearing. Lift the shaft out with a helper. On refitting, align all marks, fit new centre bearing and bracket bolts, run in all bolts by hand and tighten to specification.

Fits: platform codes SF, SG

Don't miss

• Never let the rear propshaft hang; over-flexing damages the constant velocity joint.
• Mark the joints and flanges if no factory colour spots are present.
• Use new bolts for the centre bearing and the bracket.
• Screw all constant velocity joint bolts in by hand before tightening any to torque.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

1. Apply handbrake and engage first gear.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Check whether a mark (coloured spot) is present on front and rear propshafts.
4. If no such marks can be found, mark position of parts (arrow A) and (arrow B) relative to each other with coloured marks.
5. Ensure that marks on constant velocity joint/propshaft (arrow A) and on output flange/rear final drive (arrow B) align.

6. If no marking can be found, mark position of constant velocity joint (arrow A) relative to rear final drive (arrow B) using coloured marks.
7. ⚠ Rear propshaft must not be allowed to hang. Over-flexing will damage the joint. — If fitted, unscrew bolts (2) and remove bracket (1).
8. Unscrew lower 3 connecting bolts on front propshaft/rear propshaft; use bit T10099 if necessary.
9. Unscrew lower 3 securing bolts from rear propshaft/input flange of final drive.
10. Lower vehicle.
11. Release handbrake and shift gearbox to neutral.
12. Raise vehicle and turn propshaft 180°.
13. Lower vehicle.
14. Apply handbrake and engage first gear.
15. Raise vehicle.
16. Unscrew remaining securing bolts for rear propshaft.
17. If fitted, unscrew bolts for centre propshaft bearing (arrows).
18. Remove propshaft with aid of second mechanic.
19. If relevant, tighten new bolts for centre propshaft bearing (arrows).
20. Ensure that marks on constant velocity joint/propshaft (arrow A) and on propshaft flange/rear final drive (arrow B) align.
21. Ensure that marks on flange of front and rear propshafts (arrow A) and (arrow B) align.
22. If relevant, screw on bracket (1) with new bolts (2).
23. First screw all securing bolts into constant velocity joints.
24. After screwing in all securing bolts by hand, tighten to specified torque .

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