Trouble with rear axle/diff seal replacement
10-30-2013, 08:51 AM
#1
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trouble with rear axle/diff seal replacement
So, once again, what should be a fairly simple, straightforward job has turned into a PITA. I know there are multiple writeups around on how to change the rear differential seals and I've been following them (fairly simple process). However, I've run into a roadblock...
Car is currently on jack stands with both rear wheels removed. Heat shields are removed. Rear diff fluid is drained... and yes, filler plug was removed first
I've also removed all M10 bolts holding both rear axles to the differential. Both rear axles separated without a problem. Unfortuantely, no matter what I do and how I wiggle them, neither axle will compress enough to allow me to move it out of the way. Both inner CV joints seem to be working fine. I can move them up, down, left, right, and in and out. However, neither outer CV joint will move in and out. Is this typical? I'm not sure how the outer joints are constructed. If I grab either axle shaft and pull towards the outside or push towards the inside of the car, there is no movement because the outer CV joints do not move.
If that is not normal, then I supposed that's my problem as to why I can't move the shafts enough to get to the seals. If it IS normal, then I'm stumped. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Car is currently on jack stands with both rear wheels removed. Heat shields are removed. Rear diff fluid is drained... and yes, filler plug was removed first
I've also removed all M10 bolts holding both rear axles to the differential. Both rear axles separated without a problem. Unfortuantely, no matter what I do and how I wiggle them, neither axle will compress enough to allow me to move it out of the way. Both inner CV joints seem to be working fine. I can move them up, down, left, right, and in and out. However, neither outer CV joint will move in and out. Is this typical? I'm not sure how the outer joints are constructed. If I grab either axle shaft and pull towards the outside or push towards the inside of the car, there is no movement because the outer CV joints do not move.If that is not normal, then I supposed that's my problem as to why I can't move the shafts enough to get to the seals. If it IS normal, then I'm stumped. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
10-30-2013, 05:05 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
I usually remove the drive axles, also have a torch and airtools so it adds like, a few minutes and makes it easier. Heat is a must on the center axle bolt. I remove the one bolt and nut at the top control arm to knuckle, and it swings down enough the remove the axle. If room permits and you dont mind working around them you might be able to just swing the axle out of the way once the control arm is free
Last edited by Prospeeder; 10-30-2013 at 05:08 PM.
10-31-2013, 04:12 PM
#3
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yup. I've given up on trying to move the axles by only removing the end bolted to the differential. Perhaps there are different rear axles that do provide enough room, but mine (3.0 manual) definitely do not. So... taking the axles completely out is my only option. Off to the auto parts store to rent a spring compressor (and I need to order new axle bolts now). :P
10-31-2013, 04:54 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Spring compressor?? For what? Just remove the upper control arm to knuckle bolt and the center axle bolt and pull it out. And I have removed hundreds of axle center bolts and have yet to ever replace one.....same with crank bolts. If it was so important new drive axles would come with them. Like how ones with lock nuts come with a new locknut.
Last edited by Prospeeder; 10-31-2013 at 04:56 PM.
11-02-2013, 11:45 AM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
04 allroad
Audi allroad
1
07-27-2009 06:04 PM
GTHMH
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
2
03-23-2005 07:00 AM
