Removing and installing swivel joint: Audi Q3

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi Q3 (8U, 2011–2018); platform code 84

Don't miss

• When removing and installing, take care not to damage the rubber boot of the swivel joint. The boot should be protected against damage if necessary.
• Do not allow the drive shaft to hang down under its own weight; this would bend the inner joint too far and damage it.
• Loosen nut on swivel joint but do not remove completely.
• Place gearbox jackVAS 6931 or similar underneath (risk of accident from parts dropping out when swivel joint is pressed out).
• If the reference position has been re-adapted, the front camera for driver assist systems must be recalibrated on vehicles with lane departure warning function .

🔩 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. Loosen drive shaft bolt at wheel hub .
2. Remove nut (4) and move coupling rod clear of vehicle level sender(3).
3. Remove front wheel .
4. Remove nuts (arrows) on swivel joint.
5. Pull wishbone out of swivel joint. [Note: When removing and installing, take care not to damage the rubber boot of the swivel joint. The boot should be protected against damage if necessary.]

6. Swivel out suspension strut and at the same time guide drive shaft out of wheel hub. [Note: Do not allow the drive shaft to hang down under its own weight; this would bend the inner joint too far and damage it.]
7. Use wire to tie drive shaft to body.
8. Loosen nut on swivel joint but do not remove completely.
9. Apply ball joint puller3287 A(1) as shown in illustration and press out swivel joint. [Note: Place gearbox jackVAS 6931 or similar underneath (risk of accident from parts dropping out when swivel joint is pressed out).]
10. ⚠ When the swivel joint is pressed out, it will release suddenly from the wheel bearing housing and could cause injury. — Unscrew nut on swivel joint and detach swivel joint.
11. Insert drive shaft into splines of wheel hub.
12. Secure drive shaft: procedure for tightening twelve-point bolt .
13. Fit front wheel .
14. Check and adjust wheel alignment as required, see chart .
15. On vehicles with electronic damping control, perform function "“Re-adapt reference (default) position”" using .
16. If the reference position has been re-adapted, the front camera for driver assist systems must be recalibrated on vehicles with lane departure warning function .
17. On vehicles with vehicle level sender, carry out basic adjustment of headlights Electrical system94Headlights; Adjusting headlights.

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