I am removing the manual transmission in my 1999 A4 avant and i was wondering what was the easiest to remove the 2 piece drive shaft? Thanks

 

youll have to elaborate. the only answer I have is remove the bolts and take it out after you take the exhaust and heat shields off

 

It is actually one piece and it has six bolts at each end and 2 in the center for the support bearing there. Real greasy too. I have done it and I did not remove the exhaust. If you can do that it will make the whole deal easier. You'll need an assistant to step on the brakes to hold the shaft while you remove the bolts.

 

In the 2.8 ... is it a two piece or is it also a one piece? I am thinking my central support bearing is failing.

 

Actually all of the shafts I've seen are made up of 2 pieces but you can't get them apart so I think one piece is the real deal. While there are procedures to get that central u-joint apart it is not made to be done. A used or rebuilt shaft is the way to go in my book.

 

If you remove the 6 bolts on the front and the 6 on the back will the drive shaft come out?

 

Don't forget the two in the center for the support bearing. Then it will drop right on your head.

 

Ok thanks for the help

 

In Nigeria we get everything fixed unless the part is mamed/damaged beyond repair. We don't just follow only what is in the book, we go beyond....
Own a swiss used 98 model A6 C5 ATQ for 7yrs now, still awesome, no major parts replaced besides the known feeble 10 pieces control arms

 

I got all bolts loose, even the center support bracket and can't seem to pull it out. Any suggestions? Pull harder is next step.