TPL_S4

2000 6sp S4:
I saw a post a couple of years ago that I could not find again quickly, where the guy removed his front axle by unbolting it, then lifting and turning the hub to the point where the axle could be dropped out, trans-end first. Any truth to this or was it just a dream?

There is no end of horror stories, but I'm about to dive into it and thought I'd get opinions.

Thanks.

complacentsee

I think there is a possibility of it being done. Try it, worse case: you have to remove the pinch bolt anyway.

donromani

Be carefull with those bolts too (the star shaped ones on the trans end of the axle), those things stripped very easily and caused me a ton of headaches.

jaimesonlee

I did it on my B5 A4QM, may not be the same but i'm pretty sure it is. I think you need a 7mm triple square for the trans side axle bolts.

The bit can also sometimes be called a serrated bit; i got one from Napa for like 6 or 7$.

complacentsee

XZN is the official name / tripple square most people that know what it is will know this name too. That being said, the size wasn't 7mm on mine, 10mm based on which xzn bit was dirtiest.

To be completly honest with you. I would just bite the bullet and remove the damn pinch bolt. It will be easier to get out today than it will be tommorw, further more you can coat the pinch bolt in loads of antiseize and it will come out easy next time.

Snow Trooper

if you jack it up to where your suspension on that corner is fully compressed you can slip it out

jibberjive

Truth. I've done it 4 times myself and countless others have done it too. It makes it so much easier and I can remove the axle in just a couple of minutes now. Also, the triple square is indeed a 10mm for our cars, not 7mm. Like said, be careful with the inner axle to flange bolts cause the bolts like to strip (and I've stripped a triple square bit itself trying to get the flywheel bolts off, so that's a possibility). Also, VERY IMPORTANT, make sure you put blue loctite on those inner bolts and torque them properly. Mine popped off and I've heard a lot of others that have had the same happen.

thejulex

Not sure about S4 but I certainly did it on 98 A6. Piece of cake, I didn't even remove wheels for it. The car was just sitting on ramps, the axles came out trynny side first naturally.