2003 C5 A6 axle replacement question

[beckmaster]

Audi enthusiasts.
On my 2003 C5 A6
I am in the process of replacing my front passenger axle and am stuck.
I have removed the old axle relatively easily without removing any control arms, I was able to make room by turning the wheel towards the driver side.
I bought a replacement axle from Raxles.com and now trying to shove the new one in.

For the life of me, hours of shoving and pushing and cursing, lots of cursing, I simply can't figure out how to get the new axle to squeeze in. I push the transmission end all the way up and to right corner but just can't get enough room. What should I do?

I must be missing something simple because if the old one can come out, the new one should be able to slide right in correct? Please help and offer any advice.

[Sunshinetom]

You want to confirm that you have the correct part. the axles are different sizes for driver and passenger side as well as automatic or manual transmission.


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[Sunshinetom]

Is it visually identical in size to the axle you just removed?


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[beckmaster]

Good questions. The axel is exactly the same length. If I had an extra 0.5cm it would squeeze in with no problem.

[rollerton]

Your old outer CV is probably quite a bit looser. Might need to Probably just tweak the CV super hard at a steeper angle to slip it past the inside of the spindle. On the Automatic B5's it's a SUPER tight squeeze but I was always able to do it.
Otherwise, if you have a clean, non corroded car you can take a minute to slide the pinch bolt out and it's cake.

[das_boosthead]

When I replaced an axle on my 2.7t Allroad, I was able to remove the old axle without too much problem but ended up having to remove the pinch bolt in order to gain enough room to maneuver the new axle into place.

[JoelKnauber]

Literally just did this on my S6. If you're doing the right side, turn the wheel all the way to the left. remove the head shield above the shaft, and stick the splined end in first.

It helped me to stick the splined end in, then spin the bolt on that to hold it in place while I jimmied the other side. Don't jack with the control arms, it'll go in.

[Robsa6]

I didn't have to remove the pinch bolts on my car thru swapping used axle to used axle but then got a set of Raxles and I had to take the pinch bolts to get them in which were a lot stiffer too. I didn't however try to stick the splines in and secure them to the hub first though and I bet that would give a little leeway

[Nemesis2747]

I used a hammer, and beat it those last few stuck MM. I wonder if the older one was easier to maneuver because it was worn. iin the end to do the other side i did it while replacing control arms.

[beckmaster]

That pinch bolt was a real bitch to remove. Either way, that was the answer and I was able to easily squeeze in the axle.
BTW, is there a torque specification for the pitch bolt? I read 30 ft lb and would like to confirm if that is accurate please.

[Nemesis2747]

That pinch bolt was a real bitch to remove. Either way, that was the answer and I was able to easily squeeze in the axle.
BTW, is there a torque specification for the pitch bolt? I read 30 ft lb and would like to confirm if that is accurate please.

I found same thing you did.
FRONT UPPER Ball Joint Clamp Nut & Bolt :Ball Joint To Steering Knuckle (Bolt – Nut) :
30 Ft-Lbs \ 360 In-Lbs \ 40.67 N-m

When i did mine this is what i used. And this is after i dipped my bolt in anti-seize