Hey guys,

I started the process of replacing the clutch on my B6 1.8T Quattro a few hours ago. Its got 100k on it and removing the exhaust took forever due to the rust buildup on the flange just below the Cat. Front axles are disconnected (easy) but now Im stuck on the driveshaft. Ive got all the bolts out on the transmission side and on the rear side but I can seem to get it out. Can anyone point me to an article or photos of what I need to do to drop this thing? Any help appreciated.. going to be a long night.

Brad

 

Do you mean you can't remove it totally or you can't get it off the trans or rear pig?

If you have both ends disconnected there is the center bearing. Mid way back, under some heatshielding(at least on my 3.0) there is a bracket that bolts to the body and then goes up to where the DS is.

Remove those 2 bolts, carefully, and it should come out. I broke one of mine, which sucked...ended up removing the weld nut and putting in a traditional bolt/nut.

 

Thanks for the quick reply..

Heres what I have. All 6 hex hex bolts are removed from both the front of the drive shaft at the transmission and at the rear of the drive shaft. I also have the center bearing bolts and heat shield there removed and its only supported by my jack at that center bearing area. I have no real idea how the shaft is being held at either the front or back with the bolts removed. Would it normally just fall off? Where does it separate at?

I havent really found much info. I have the bentley manual but it just says loosen the bolts on the front shaft and remove from the transmission. Im thinking maybe mine is rusted on there but beating it with a hammer didnt help. maybe im missing something.

 

No it is a flange fit with a small pilot.

In a traditional(American) drive shaft there is a yoke and pinion that slides into the trans.

On the Audi's, at least on my A6 and A4 it is a flange with a lip so you do need to back it off a hair, but with the center bearing out it should come right off.

I won't be as much help as I could be...on the A4 the half shafts are strict flanges and dry connections. On the A6 they are similar to the drive shaft with a lip and a wet connection....I think on the A6 the drive shaft was the same but I can't remember on the A4.

Regardless, pulling it backwards should get it to come off. BTW pick up new hex bolts, those things suck and are soft, you'll more than likely strip one or two tightening them back up.

I know without removing the center bearing there is not much room to get around the lip but with it off your right it should just come off.

I'd take a screw driver and tap around the lip of the flange. Stand under the trans facing the back of the car. Where the DS attaches you should see the lip that goes over the trands output shaft, tap around that with a hammer and screw driver to see if it pops off.

If I remember right it needs to go back about 1/4" inch to disconnect then a 1/2" to get off the pilot.

BTW ,pics always help too if you have some.

 

The driveshaft flanges might just be rusted to the other flanges. You might need to spray it or hit it with something to make them come loose. Other people have posted the same issue you are having with the driveshaft and they were able to knock it loose.

 

try prying it out