Question 1

How is power transmitted from the transaxle to the front wheels via the Axle Shaft and what are the components involved in this process on Audi A4?

Accepted Answer

A pair of axle shafts is used to provide power to the front wheels, and on all-wheel drive models, power is also provided to the rear wheels by two more axle shafts. The inner end of each axle shaft is attached to a drive flange of the differential and the outer end is provided with a stub shaft splined to the bearing assembly and hub and held in place by a large bolt. The inner ends are designed with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints which enable both angular and axial motion, either with a triple rotor-type bearing or a ball-and-cage type bearing inside a housing, which allows it to slide as the axle shaft rotates with the wheel. The outer extremities possess ball and cage type CV joints, only permitting angular movement and consisting of six ball bearings between an inner race and an outer cage. It is vital to check the boots concerning their damage and leaks of lubricants regularly, since torn CV joint boots should be replaced instantly to avoid damage to the joint, and in case of the damage to the boot, the axle shaft needs to be taken out. When there is damage on the boots, the CV joint may be removed and cleaned up, however when the parts are discovered to be damaged, the whole axle shaft assembly might require replacement. Leaky lubricants, clicking sounds on rotation, clunking during acceleration after coasting and shaking in the highway speed are some common signs of worn or damaged CV joints. To perform a wear check, each of the axle shafts needs to be held and turned in both directions with the CV joint housings, checking the play, which shows sloppy joints or worn splines, and inspecting the axle shaft for any cracks, dents, and distortion.

Question 2

How to remove and install the front and rear axle shafts on Audi A4?

Accepted Answer

Removal of the front axle shaft begins by removing the wheel trim or hub cap and loosening the axle shaft/hub bolt a quarter-turn when the vehicle is on its wheels and then loosening the wheel bolts. Lift the front of the car and place it on jackstands firmly, and block the rear wheels to keep the car from rolling over, and take off the wheel. Unscrew the bolts which hold the inner CV joint in place on the transaxle drive flange to set the connection between the inner CV joint and the drive flange, and hold the axle shaft with wire or string so it is not damaged. Partially disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor by unscrewing it in its mounting point to avoid being damaged during the process of withdrawal of the axle shaft, and then loosen the axle shaft/hub bolt. Disassemble the upper control arms of the steering knuckle by removing them and swing the steering knuckle outward and remove the axle shaft outer constant velocity joint of the hub with a brass drift, if necessary. Lift the axle shaft out of the underside of the car (removing the gasket in the inner constant velocity joint, where applicable) and make sure that the car is not resting on its wheels with the axle shaft removed as it may damage the wheel bearings. Installation To be installed, clean and dry the transaxle drive flange, inner joint mating surfaces, lubricate the outer joint and hub splines and position and mate the axle shaft onto the outer joint, installing a new bolt but not completely tightened in place yet. Attach the control arms to steering knuckle, screw the pinch bolt nut, align the inner joint with the transaxle flange and attach the retaining bolts and plates and screw them to the required torque. Install the wheel after getting the outer joint correctly seated, and lower the vehicle and then tighten axle shaft/hub bolt and wheel lug bolts as required to the required torque. With the rear axle shaft in all-wheel drive models, the steps are the same, except that the wheel trim must be removed and the axle shaft/hub bolt must be loosened, after which the rear of the vehicle should be raised and firmly held up. Disassemble the rear coil spring and disassemble the ABS wheel speed sensor partly and then, remove the axle shaft heat shield, if present. Loosen the bolts that fix the inner CV joint to the differential drive flange, support the axle shaft and loosen the axle shaft/hub bolt. Reduce the inner end of the axle shaft and push the outer end of the axle shaft out of the hub, manipulating it out of the vehicle beneath the car eliminating the gasket of the inner CV joint. Make sure that the vehicle does not lean on its wheels and the axle shaft is not removed. To install, clean the inner joint flange and mating surfaces, install new gasket, lubricate outer joint splines, connect the outer joint with the hub and install a new bolt but not fully tightened. Realign the inner joint with the differential flange and attach the retaining bolts and plates and tighten them to the required torque. Install coil spring, make sure that the outer joint is completely seated, install the wheel, drop the vehicle and screw the axle shaft/hub bolt and wheel lug bolts to the required kind of torque.

Genuine Audi A4 Axle Shaft

52 Axle Shafts found

Audi A4 Axle Shafts Part Number: 0AR-525-356-C

Audi A4 Companion Flange Part Number: 0D3-598-072

Audi A4 Companion Flange Part Number: 0AR-525-356-D

Audi A4 Axle Shafts Part Number: 08V-525-289-B

Audi A4 Axle Shafts Part Number: 08V-525-289-C

Audi A4 Output Shaft Part Number: 0D3-598-071

Audi A4 Axle Beam Part Number: 8D0-500-047-C

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-407-271-BN

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8A0-501-203-JX

Audi A4 Drive Axle Assembly Part Number: 8K0-501-203-N

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-407-451-AX

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-407-452-AX

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-501-203-R

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8K0-501-204-L

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-407-453-BX

Audi A4 Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-407-454-BX

Audi A4 Drive Axle Assembly Part Number: 8E0-501-203-T

Audi A4 Drive Axle Assembly Part Number: 8K0-501-203-J

Audi A4 Drive Axle Assembly Part Number: 8W0-501-203-D

Audi A4 Drive Axle Assembly Part Number: 8K0-501-201

Audi A4 Axle Shaft

Audi A4 Axle Shaft Parts and Q&A

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