Genuine Volkswagen Cabrio Axle Shaft

Volkswagen Cabrio Axle Shaft Parts and Q&A

• Axle Shaft Assembly
  1HM-407-273
  Q: What steps are involved in removing and installing an axle shaft retaining nut on Volkswagen Cabrio?

  A:

  A new driveaxle retaining nut will be required on installation. For removal, on automatic transaxle models, it may be necessary to unbolt the front and rear engine/transaxle mounts and lift the engine slightly to gain the necessary clearance to withdraw the left-hand driveaxle. Begin by removing the wheel trim or hub cap, loosening the driveaxle retaining nut while the vehicle is resting on its wheels, and also loosening the wheel bolts. Block the rear wheels, apply the parking brake, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the front wheel. Unscrew the bolts securing the inner driveaxle joint to the transaxle flange and, if applicable, remove the retaining plates from underneath the bolts. Support the driveaxle with wire or string to prevent damage. Use a marking pen to draw around the end of the suspension control arm to mark the correct installed position of the balljoint, then unscrew the balljoint retaining bolts and remove the retaining plate from the top of the control arm. Unscrew the driveaxle retaining nut and, if necessary, remove its washer. Carefully pull the hub assembly outwards and withdraw the driveaxle outer constant velocity joint from the hub assembly, using a soft-faced mallet if the splines are stuck. Maneuver the driveaxle out from underneath the vehicle and recover the gasket from the end of the inner constant velocity joint, discarding it as a new one should be used on installation. Avoid allowing the vehicle to rest on its wheels with one or both driveaxles removed to prevent damage to the wheel bearings; if moving the vehicle is unavoidable, temporarily insert the outer end of the driveaxles in the hubs and tighten the retaining nuts while supporting the inner ends. For installation, ensure that the transaxle flange and inner joint mating surfaces are clean and dry, then install a new gasket. Clean and dry the outer joint and hub splines and threads, applying a 1/8-inch bead of sealant to the outer joint splines on models with Plus suspension. Maneuver the driveaxle into position, engage the outer joint with the hub, and install the washer and nut to draw the joint fully into position. Install the suspension control arm balljoint retaining bolts, tightening them to the specified torque while ensuring correct positioning. Align the driveaxle inner joint with the transaxle flange, install the retaining bolts and plates, and tighten them to the torque. Ensure the outer joint is fully drawn into position, then install the wheel and lower the vehicle. On models with Plus suspension, tighten the driveaxle nut to stage 1 torque and then rotate through the specified stage 2 angle; for models with base suspension, tighten the driveaxle nut to the torque. Finally, tighten the wheel bolts to the torque and install the wheel trim or hub cap.