Removing and installing 3-section propshaft — VW

Special tools, workshop equipment, testers, measuring instruments and auxiliary items required

V.A.G 1331 Torque wrench

V.A.G 1332 Torque wrench

A twin pillar lifting platform should be used when working on the propshaft.

Notes:

Before removing, mark the positions of all parts in relation to each other. Reinstall in the same position otherwise imbalance will be excessive, the mountings could be damaged causing rumbling noises.
Keep propshaft straight, only store and transport fully extended.

Removing

Before removing, mark the position of the following components in relation to each other:

Bevel box output flange to flexible coupling with heat shield
Flexible coupling with heat shield to front propshaft
Front/rear propshaft to respective flexible joint (arrow)
Rear propshaft to flexible coupling with vibration damper
Flexible coupling with vibration damper to viscous coupling

Remove securing bolts on front and rear constant velocity joints.
Push front and rear constant velocity joints back until the front or rear propshaft can be moved easily.

Tie front/rear propshaft up.
Remove securing bolts -A- for both intermediate mountings (illustration shows front propshaft constant velocity joint) and take centre propshaft out.

Unbolt front propshaft from flexible coupling with heat shield (bolts -1-) and carefully pull off centring pin. The flexible coupling with heat shield (secured by bolts -2-) remains on bevel box output flange.

Note:

Do not cant front propshaft during removal from flexible coupling with heat shield, pull horizontally off centring pin. Centring sleeve/seal must not be damaged otherwise the propshaft must be replaced.

Pull protective ring (arrow 1) off vibration damper (arrow 2).
Unbolt (bolts arrows 3) rear propshaft with flexible coupling (hidden) and vibration damper from the viscous coupling and carefully pull off centring pin.

Notes:

Flexible coupling and balance weights cannot be separated from one another.
Do not cant rear propshaft during removal from viscous coupling, pull horizontally off centring pin. Centring sleeve/seal must not be damaged (=> Page
39-110
) otherwise the centre and rear propshafts must be replaced.

Installing

Install in reverse order.

Notes:

Lubricate seal (arrow) with grease G 052 128 A1.
Do not damage front/rear propshaft centring sleeve/seal (arrow) during installation.
Do not cant front/rear propshaft, push horizontally onto the relevant centring pin.
If either the front or rear propshafts are damaged, the propshaft must be replaced together with the centre propshaft.
Once the fitting of the propshaft is complete, move centre propshaft to and fro in the constant velocity joints so as to obtain the central position. Do not stress intermediate mountings. Only then tighten intermediate mounting bolts.

Tightening torques

Constant velocity joint securing bolts => Page
39-135
, item
4

Flexible joint to propshaft => Page
39-134
, item
2

Flexible joint with vibration damper to rear propshaft => Page
39-140
, item
20

Intermediate bearing to body · 30 Nm

Flexible coupling to bevel box output flange · 55 Nm

Flexible coupling with vibration damper to viscous coupling · 55 Nm