Final Drive, Removing And Installing: Removing

-- Remove the rear section of the exhaust system. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 2.0L , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER - 3.6L .

-- Remove the rear stabilizer bar. Refer to STABILIZER BAR, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove left and right drive axles from the final drive. Refer to DRIVE AXLE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Before removing, see if there is a marking (color dot) on the flexible disc and on the flange/final drive as well as on the flange/driveshaft -arrows-. If not, mark the installed position of the flexible disc.

Fig 1: Aligning Markings On Driveshaft At Flange Of Haldex Clutch

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-- Remove the flexible disc with the vibration damper from the rear final drive -arrows-.

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

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-- Counterhold using :T10172  when loosening and tightening the bolts.

Fig 3: Counterholding Rear Final Drive To Loosen And Tighten Driveshaft

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-- Loosen the rear axle from the rear mounting points -arrows- and lower approximately 40 mm (1.57 in.). Refer to REAR AXLE, LOWERING .

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-- Remove the rear final drive bolts from the rear axle using the :T10035  . The :T10099/1  can also be used to remove the bolts.

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-- Support the rear final drive -1- using the :VAS6931  and remove the bolt -arrow- from the front mounting bracket from the subframe -2-.

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-- Push the final drive as far as possible toward the rear.

-- Remove the driveshaft from the final drive and lay it on the tank. Place a cloth on the tank to protect the shaft.

-- When removing and installing the driveshaft, always be careful not to damage the bushing -arrow-.

Fig 4: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Shaft Seal

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-- Next the drive axles are removed from the final drive.

-- For this install the front bolt again by hand all the way in the front mounting bracket -arrow-. Then loosen the bolt again a maximum five turns.

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-- Remove the :VAS6931  from under the vehicle.

-- Lift the final drive -A- in the rear -arrow 1- and push it as far as possible to the right -arrow 2-.

Fig 5: Lifting Final Drive In Rear And Pushing It As Far As Possible To The Right

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-- Remove the left drive axle -B- from the flange and carefully guide it downward.

-- Put the final drive back into its installation position.

-- Lift the final drive -A- in the rear -arrow 1- and push it as far as possible to the left -arrow 2-.

Fig 6: Lifting Final Drive In Rear And Pushing It As Far As Possible To The Left

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-- Remove the right drive axle -B- from the flange and carefully guide it downward.

-- Support the rear final drive -1- using the :VAS6931  and remove the bolt -arrow- from the front mounting bracket from the subframe -2-.

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-- Secure the final drive -1- against falling using a belt and position in the vehicle at an angle as shown while lowering it at the same time using the :VAS6931  or :VAG1383A  -A-.

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-- Remove the connector -B- from the All Wheel Drive Control Module - J492- -A-. Ignore -C-.

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-- Remove the vent lines -arrows- from the final drive.

Fig 7: Identifying Ventilation Lines At Final Drive And All-Wheel Drive Control Module J492 Connector

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-- Push the driveshaft as far upward as possible and support it in this position on the tank using a suitable block of wood.

-- Pull the final drive forward when lowering, while doing so pay attention that there is enough clearance to other components.