Removing and installing rear axle, four-wheel drive — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Passat B7 saloon (362, 2010–2014), VW Passat B7 Variant (365, 2010–2014)

• Renewed: damaged brake line clips

Don't miss

• Do not open brake line.
• Check whether marks (spots of paint) are present on flexible coupling and final drive flange (arrows). If no marks are present, mark positions of flexible coupling and final drive flange relative to each other (arrows).
• To loosen and tighten propshaft, counter-hold on bevel box using counter-hold tool T10172 and adapters T10172/5. This requires the assistance of a second mechanic.
• When pulling off propshaft, always ensure that bushing (arrow) is not damaged.
• If the vehicle is not strapped down, there is a great danger that the vehicle will slip off the lifting platform! — Fix position of subframe .

🔩 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 wheel bolts.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Remove wheels.
4. Remove coil springs .
5. Remove rear silencer of exhaust system 26Exhaust pipes/silencers; Removing and installing rear silencer.

6. Separate connection (1).
7. Unclip speed sensor wire on both sides from bracket (1)(arrows).
8. Disconnect connectors for rear right speed sensor G44 and rear left speed sensor G46.
9. Unclip brake lines (1) from bracket (arrow) on left of body.
10. Pull retaining clip (2) from subframe (3) and detach brake hose. [Note: Do not open brake line.]
11. Remove bolt (arrow).
12. Disconnect connectors of electric parking brake at brake caliper.
13. Press out inner pins of rivets (arrows A).
14. Remove mounting bracket (1).
15. Disconnect pendulum support from gearbox by removing bolts (14).
16. Push engine and gearbox forwards and secure in position with a suitable piece of wood (A).
17. Check whether marks (spots of paint) are present on flexible coupling and final drive flange (arrows). If no marks are present, mark positions of flexible coupling and final drive flange relative to each other (arrows).
18. Unbolt rear propshaft tube with flexible coupling and vibration damper from rear final drive (arrows). [Note: To loosen and tighten propshaft, counter-hold on bevel box using counter-hold tool T10172 and adapters T10172/5. This requires the assistance of a second mechanic.]
19. Unscrew bolts for centre bearing (arrows) two turns.
20. Support propshaft (A) on tunnel support (1) using a wooden block.
21. Push rear propshaft tube as far as possible in direction of gearbox.
22. When pulling off propshaft, always ensure that bushing (arrow) is not damaged.
23. Remove cover (1).
24. Remove underbody cover (2)General body repairs, exterior66Underbody cover; Assembly overview - underbody cover.
25. Remove trim for rear axle
26. Separate connector on Haldex clutch above final drive.
27. Use tensioning straps T10038 to strap vehicle to support beams of lifting platform on both sides.
28. ⚠ If the vehicle is not strapped down, there is a great danger that the vehicle will slip off the lifting platform! — Fix position of subframe .
29. Remove line (1) from mounting bracket (arrow A).
30. Mark installation position of mounting bracket (2) on body.
31. Remove bolts (arrows B).
32. Carefully lower subframe with attachments about 2 cm.
33. Unclip brake lines on both sides (arrow). [Note: The clips will be destroyed and must be renewed.]
34. Unclip brake line from clips (arrows) above drive shaft flange on gearbox (1). [Note: The clips will be destroyed and must be renewed.]
35. Carefully lower subframe with attachments. [Note: When lowering, ensure sufficient clearance of brake lines, electrical cables and centring pin to propshaft.] [Note: Renew the damaged brake line clips on the subframe.]
36. When connecting propshaft, always ensure that bushing (arrow) is not damaged.
37. When installing wire of electric parking brake, make sure that dimension (a) between connector (1) and mounting bracket (2) is precisely maintained.

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