On my 99 A4 2.8 Quattro.

I'm getting ready to remove the passenger side output shaft to replave the leaky seal. I have the 17mm hex key to remove the filler plug for the gear oil, but when I looked last I noticed the bolts that hold the axle/flange the bolts had a star pattern in them.

T40 torx perhaps? Anyone know what tool to use and can I get them locally from craftsman/auto parts stores? I really need to get that seal fixed.

Thanks,

 

Yes it should be a t40, but it might be t45 I can't remember. But one of those def works. I'm pretty sure t40 tho.

 

its no a torx bit at allll...its called a serrated wrench or a triple box and you can get it at napa. for like 3$

 

Yep, 12-point or triple-square. The torque is surprisingly low and a torx might get it but you're taking a chance - I've read stories of torx bits tearing out the heads of those. I bought a four piece kit from germanautoparts.com for about $11 that handles every one of those in the whole car.

 

You sure about that? Mine are most definitely torx. Unless they used diff ones on diff cars, or the previous owner of my car changed them all out for some reason.

 

They shouldn't be torx. You might have used used a torx and it worked. They are called triple squares also, they are essentially a 12 point torx

 

Yea I know what a triple square is, and I'm pos that mine have torx in them. Probably from a shitty shop the previous owner took it to.

 

There are 2 versions, just depends on what company made them for Audi. I ordered 12 of them and the Audi dealer sent over 2 bags with 6 of 1 and 6 with the other.


Some people have even found Allen head bolts on theirs, just like the ones found on the drive shaft.

 

I have the same issue. I am replacing an axle on my a4, for the second time. I noticed that a hex worked, but a friend of mine had the correct tool and tightened it, though I don't know what it was. The bolts looked almost like they were splined...
And does anyone know what size hex the front axle bolt is? The one surrounded by the lugs...

 

The splined looking ones are the triple square. The front axle bolt is 17mm allen. The front axle bolts are one time use as they are actually stretched when torqued down.