Axle Shafts - Front Audi A6 C4

DESCRIPTION

Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to drive wheels. Axle shafts consist of a shaft with a flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at each end. Tripod type inner CV joint is not serviceable. Inner CV joint is bolted to transaxle. Outer CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by axle shaft flanged bolt. (Scheme 1)

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. See the TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

DRIVE AXLE SHAFTS

Removal

1. Remove hub cap. Loosen axle shaft nut/bolt. Raise and support vehicle. Remove axle flanged bolt and wheel. Remove Allen bolts connecting inner CV joint to transaxle case flange. NOTE: On ABS models, pull speed sensor out of swing arm slightly before removing drive axle.
2. Remove suspension strut tie rod from right side. Remove nut and bolt and separate ball joint from control arm. Disconnect stabilizer link connector. Press out axle shaft from hub and swing suspension strut outward. Remove axle shaft. Push inside end of axle shaft upward while pulling outer CV joint out of wheel hub. To remove right side axle shaft, push inner end rearward while pulling outer CV joint out of wheel hub.

Scheme 1

Note. Disassemble axle shafts to replace defective boots. If boots are replaced, check all components for wear or damage and replace as necessary.

Scheme 2

1. On inner CV joint (except tripod type joint), remove circlip from axle shaft and remove gasket from CV joint. Remove inner CV joint, boot and clamp. (Scheme 2) Clamp axle shaft in soft-jawed vise. Remove boot clamps and push back boot. Using ST 3207, thread M16 end into CV joint and turn until joint is pressed off. Remove outer boot and clamps. Remove inner boot clamps and inner boot. NOTE: On vehicles with automatic transmission, outer CV joint must be removed from axle shaft to replace inner boot. Inner CV joints cannot be removed from axle shaft. Replace as an assembly. (Scheme 1)
2. Remove and discard inner boot clamp and boot. On outer CV joint, spread circlip inside ball hub. Using a brass drift, tap on hub to drive CV joint off axle shaft.

Reassembly

1. To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Lubricate inner CV joints with specified amount of molybdenum disulfide grease. See «CV JOINT GREASE CAPACITY»(/audi/a6/c4-1994-1997/remont/axle-shafts/#axle-shafts-front).
2. Replace Inner boot and clamps. Install outer CV boot and clamps. Ensure ends of boot are in groove. Drive joint onto axle shaft with plastic hammer until circlip is engaged. Before tightening clamps it may be necessary to ventilate boot by letting air into small end of boot to restore to correct shape. Tighten clamps.
3. Install outer CV joint with concave side of dished washer facing thrust washer and convex side of thrust washer facing CV joint. (Scheme 2)

CV JOINT GREASE CAPACITY

Scheme 3

Installation

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check seals at both sides of transaxle and replace prior to installation (if necessary). Lubricate transaxle seal lip with transaxle oil. NOTE: Always install NEW cotter pin, washer and suspension nuts.
2. Install axle shaft into transaxle case. On models with snap ring retained axle shafts, pull axle shaft outward by hand to ensure proper engagement of snap ring. On all models, install axle shafts into wheel hub. Press ABS wheel speed sensor into swing arm. Align suspension marks made during removal, and tighten nuts to specifications. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/audi/a6/c4-1994-1997/remont/axle-shafts/#axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications) . Apply locking compound (D6) to splines.
3. Check camber setting and adjust if necessary. Install NEW bolt, or stake NEW axle shaft nut in place with a punch, or install NEW cotter pin after tightening. Bleed brake system and replace transaxle fluid, if required.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• CV JOINT GREASE CAPACITY
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS