Final Drive, Removing And Installing: Removing

-- Remove the center muffler with the rear muffler. Refer to MUFFLER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Place a pipe or tire iron -3- in the front exhaust pipe -1- and lay it on the tunnel brace -2-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- If equipped, remove the heat shield for the spare tire well. Refer to FLOOR HEAT SHIELD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

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

-- Remove the left and right drive axles from the final drive.

-- 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.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Use the Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 5: T10172/5-9  -1- and the Counterhold - Kit - Multiple Use: T10172  -2- to loosen and tighten.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolts -1- of the flexible disc with vibration damper -2- from the rear final drive.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolts from the rear bearing areas -arrows-. Refer to REAR AXLE, LOWERING .

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Install the Bearing Installer - Component: 3346/2  with Subframe Bushing Tool Kit: 3301  and Control Arm Bearing Installer - Nut: 3346/3  15 mm into the body as shown.

1. Subframe Bushing Tool Kit: 3301 
2. Nut : 3346/3 
3. Bearing Installer - Component: 3346/2 

-- Install the Bearing Installer - Nut: 3346/3  on the Bearing Installer - Component : 3346/2  until the dimension -a- = 40 mm is reached.

• Do not lower the subframe more than 40 mm.

-- Unclip the vent hoses -1- from the subframe.

-- Remove the drive axles -2- to the rear final drive. Refer to DRIVE AXLE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Use the Multipoint Socket: T10035  to remove the rear bolts for the final drive from the rear axle. The Bits for V.A.G. 1331/13: T10099/1  can also be used to remove the bolts.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the front bolt -1- and also remove the upper washer -2- from the mounting bracket.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• Always replace the bolts.

-- Support the rear final drive using the Engine and Transmission Jack -3- and secure it against falling with a strap.

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

-- Remove the driveshaft from the final drive and lay it on the tunnel brace; place a cloth on the tunnel brace to protect the shaft.

-- When removing and installing the driveshaft, be careful not to damage the socket -1-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Tilt the rear final drive -1- on the Engine and Transmission Jack -2- into the shown position and at the same time lower it slightly.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Vehicles with All-Wheel Drive Clutch Generation V 

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

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

• The connector -C- is not disconnected.

Vehicles with All-Wheel Drive Clutch Generation VI 

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Release and disconnect the connector -1- from the All-Wheel Drive Control Module -J492-.

-- Free up the wiring harness at the rear final drive and put it down to the side.

• Do not loosen the bolts -arrows-.

Continuation for All Vehicles 

-- Guide the driveshaft -A- upward and secure at the body with cable ties for example -B-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Pull the final drive >>forward<< when lowering. While doing so, make sure there is enough >>clearance<< to other components.

-- Remove the drive axle from the flange shafts when lowering.