OK, I have the DIY for the right front axle replacement. I read somewhere on Audiworld where the guy got the axle off by jacking up the hub and letting the axle fall out instead of taking out the control arm bolts. Is it wise to do this, and are the control arm bolts really that big of a pain in the ***?

 

Jacking up the hub wont get you any play away from the transmission, which is what you need. Depending on whether the bolt is rusted in place in can be a major pain to get out or no problem.

 

I tried to follow the DIY that you're talking about on Audiworld But after getting stuck not being able to get the bottom control arm out of the vertical I tried the bolt at the top with the two upper control arms, came out and went together again easy as could be! I'd try the pinch bolt at the top first.

 

got it. actually, the DIY I have printed out tells me to remove the pinch bolt, if I'm not mistaken. thanks yo-