Front Axel Replacement DIY?

**forumjp23** · 11-22-2008 06:36 AM

What is the procedure to replace the front axels? My car is shaking again (months later) after they replaced one of the front axels... its making the same vibration under acceleration as it did before... Is their any DIY's?

**old guy** · 11-22-2008 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by forumjp23

What is the procedure to replace the front axels? My car is shaking again (months later) after they replaced one of the front axels... its making the same vibration under acceleration as it did before... Is their any DIY's?

Here ya go: Clicky click It's for a B5, but the B6 is essentially the same. I would recommend one variation from the DIY. If the pinch bolt doesn't come out easily (and it probably won't) stop right there and remove the upper control arms from the other end. If you break the pinch bolt you will be hating life. When you go to tighten the upper control arms at reassembly be sure to put the suspension under load so the bushings are tightened in their normal operating position. You can put a block of wood or something under the lower control arms and slowly lower the car until the spring is compressed.

good luck!

**dougyfresh** · 11-22-2008 08:22 AM

Do you really need to remove the upper control arms to gain additional room?

If I recall correctly, there is plenty of room once you disconnect the half shaft from the transmission.

**old guy** · 11-22-2008 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by dougyfresh

Do you really need to remove the upper control arms to gain additional room?

If I recall correctly, there is plenty of room once you disconnect the half shaft from the transmission.

LOL... Yes, you are correct. For some reason the guy who wrote the DIY wasn't able to do so on his. Maybe a difference between the B5 and B6?

**dougyfresh** · 11-22-2008 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

LOL... Yes, you are correct. For some reason the guy who wrote the DIY wasn't able to do so on his. Maybe a difference between the B5 and B6?

Maybe but I doubt it. The [front] suspension is the same. If I recall correctly, the only difference is our spindles have a different caliper mounting position (B5 S4). I'll look tomorrow. My friend and I are finishing swapping in B5 S4 suspension on his '98 A4 2.8L.

**AudiA4_20T** · 11-24-2008 12:27 AM

Doug, on 1 S4 that I did, removing the axles was cake, but another one I couldnt get them out as hard as I tried, some cars you just have to take it out, luck of the draw I suppose

**7speed** · 11-24-2008 01:15 AM

bwoy1981 did his today, he said it tool like 20 mins tops

**dougyfresh** · 11-24-2008 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by AudiA4_20T

Doug, on 1 S4 that I did, removing the axles was cake, but another one I couldnt get them out as hard as I tried, some cars you just have to take it out, luck of the draw I suppose

That doesn't really make much sense. 'Luck of the draw'? That is not how parts are designed.

Unless the B5 S4 upright is that much different down near the axle from the B5 A4. B5 S4 upright also being the B6 A4.

Regardless, we never got to my friend's suspension yesterday. Wound up spending all day on the valve cover gaskets, cam seal gaskets, timing belt and others on his 2.8.