01 A4 2.8l replacing front propshaft seal. Help plz.

[Phishnvdub]

I am trying to replace the front propshaft shaft seal where it goes into the center diff on my 2.8l A4 TIP. Everything has went well until trying to get the drive shaft separated from the flange. I have all six bolts out and the carrier unbolted. I can not get the drive shaft to come out of the flange. Pulling on it for last hour. Only thing that moves is the rubber boot at the end where it goes into the round disc that bolts to flange.

Anyone have some advise or tricks as to get this thing out? Maybe I am doing something wrong? I have done a complete timing belt service along with VCGs and every seal around it, rear springs..... No way I want to let this defeat me.

[Bordom]

Use a mallet or an air hammer to knock it free

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[Phishnvdub]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking something along those lines but afraid I would damage something. Will give the mallet a try tomorrow evening. Should I whack it right before it enters the flange?

[Bordom]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking something along those lines but afraid I would damage something. Will give the mallet a try tomorrow evening. Should I whack it right before it enters the flange?

Yeah, whack it right on the joint. Be sure not to damage the flange or then you'll be in trouble

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[Phishnvdub]

TY Bordom! The mallet was the ticket. All the reading I did on doing this, somehow missed the part about the driveshaft seal that goes on the outside of the flange to the driveshaft. Reading this morning I came across it. Wasn't going to wait until next week to get one online. So I drove after work 40 mins to the nearest Audi dealer to have them give it to me like I dropped the soap in the shower and paid about $37 for one after tax.

One thing I did notice while reinstalling everything is the carrier bearing can be moved left/right a little. Can't really tell after cleaning things up exactly where it used to sit. Going to try to hold a string from one flange to the other to try to make sure I am centered correctly. Afraid if a little off I will have vibrations.

[Bordom]

No problem man! Glad to help.

There's no way that little cork gasket costs $37. It's like $10 at most. I would have reused the old gasket as long as it wasn't leaking, but it's good practice to replace

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[Phishnvdub]

Yeah man. Couldn't believe it. Is a rubber gasket with adhesive on one side so u can stick it on and it stays for reassembly. My luck if I did not get it the old one would have been shot.

After filling center diff. I had enough to do the rear too. Also installed new exhaust couplers and got all piping back up how it should be. Old ones leaked bad since I got the car 2 months ago and had regular clamps around them. Long threads facing down with exhaust hanging low. Can't wait to drive it tomorrow not worrying about it catching or sounding terrible. Anyway. Appreciate the tips!