Lf axle keeps pulling out

[oaklamon22]

02 tip allroad, factory wheels and tires.
My left front axle has puled out from the boot on the transmission side twice before however my air ride wasnt working properly and i was on bump stops.
So when the axle pulled out before i knew for sure it was due to pinion angle being excessive. Since then i replaced my air ride compressor and manifold and im very happy to say my air ride works great! However yesterday while cruising on level 2 (no crazy pinion angle) the same left front axle pulled out from the inner boot....again. So obviously i have something else going on. I was hoping someone has had the same concern and can point me in the right direction.

Bad mounts allowing too much movement?


Thanks!

[4rings2turbos]

Where exactly is the separation happening? Is the inner boot popping off the trans flange? You'll have to REALLY clean the boot and flange off and get the clamp on tight. An oetiker clamp would be much better than a standard reusable hose clamp.

[Kaane]

Is it oem axle or aftermarket? I had crappy axles before that were too short and caused same problem. I would measure the compressed length and verify it is correct.

[oaklamon22]

where exactly is the separation happening? Is the inner boot popping off the trans flange? You'll have to really clean the boot and flange off and get the clamp on tight. An oetiker clamp would be much better than a standard reusable hose clamp.

the inside part is slipping out of the outter part of the inner cv joint. The three rollers that sit and compensate for articulation, angles, etc etc pull completely out of the outter cv joint housing. It pulls out far enough that my concern isnt the clamp around the boot

[oaklamon22]

is it oem axle or aftermarket? I had crappy axles before that were too short and caused same problem. I would measure the compressed length and verify it is correct.

2 different distributors of after market axles. One from napa one from auto zone.

Originally replaced due to torn outter bots i dont have the factory axle to measure and compare.

[glennda5id]

The triple joint is press fit in. There is nothing holding it in, but it should not be able to get enough travel to get in a position where it can get out. Maybe you have the wrong axles? Ie, wrong length.

[4rings2turbos]

They must be wrong axles, or they were designed incorrectly. Like Glenn said, that should be impossible with control arms installed.

[oaklamon22]

They must be wrong axles, or they were designed incorrectly. Like Glenn said, that should be impossible with control arms installed.

i agree 100%

it was a huge upset to hear that thing pop out and clunk around after being so excited about a properly functioning factory air ride system on a c5 allroad.... knowing i wont have to deal with the axle grease and tow bill again!

it has to be the axle, but wanted to toss it out there for input.

thanks for the feedback 4 rings. always enjoy reading your stuff!

[oaklamon22]

oem audi axle is super costly!

whos got suggestions?

[4rings2turbos]

Isn't axle grease terrible! I had my inner boot pop off the flange once. Sad :(

Thanks for the compliment!

I use Raxles and they're ~200 a side but they are OEM shafts and OEM joints. Or you could try matching the passenger side brand.

[oaklamon22]

just got back from having it towed to my dealership..... 80 bucks to go 4 miles. dollies. no roll back. AAAAAAND! Someone backed into it while parked last night.

[oaklamon22]

Isn't axle grease terrible! I had my inner boot pop off the flange once. Sad :(

Thanks for the compliment!

I use Raxles and they're ~200 a side but they are OEM shafts and OEM joints. Or you could try matching the passenger side brand.

not coming up with anything on raxles page. where can i find prices and place order?

[4rings2turbos]

Whaaattt duuuude. That is some crappy luck :(

Marty is the owner/operator and he's pretty old-school. You'll have to give him a tomorrow morning. He's in Florida so you should be able to get an axle right quick.

[glennda5id]

Raxles wants an OEM core in exchange
If you don't have OEM axle I would find a used OEM from. Junkyard, eBay etc. Also check out audis4parts.com. Usually need to call them or do the chat feature to get idea of actual stock.

[4rings2turbos]

You don't have to return a core.

[glennda5id]

Yeah, but what is that cost for the core? I think it's very expensive.

[4rings2turbos]

Much less than a $700 axle from the dealer.

I've always had a core but I think it's $50 or $100 depending on rarity of the axle.

You can always buy a cheap no good axle from a part-out to send back.

[forcefed7]

I replaced both my front axles with FEQ pieces last year and haven't had any problems. I have an 04 2.7T Tip. The axles were like around $70 I think. Any parts store should have access to them.

[oaklamon22]

other then the after after market axle being shorter im making an effort to prevent any more towing fees, so im going to reduce as much drive train slop as possible. starting with the transmission mounts. got my 034 density line mounts in and swapped them out. without knowing if the factory mounts were in fact faulty or not.... turns out they were completely torn apart. I cant say for sure that this was allowing enough movement to allow the axle to pull out of the inner housing but, theoretically this makes sense and will for sure do nothing but help. one of the top tabs of the factory mounts was completely broken off and the inner rubber was completely separated. upon driving after the 034 mounts were installed there is great improvement as far as throttle response goes and the over all vehicle just feels significantly more solid.

I have a picture of the old mounts next to the new ones but honestly Im not sure how to apply it to the thread. hope this helps someone!

[4rings2turbos]

I still have all original mounts everwhere and I'm looking forward to replacing them all this year for this very reason. All of mine are probably completely shot.