Genuine Volkswagen Passat Driveshaft

Volkswagen Passat Driveshaft Parts and Q&A

• Drive Shaft
  3B0-521-101-R
  Q: What precautions should be taken when handling the driveshaft, and what steps are involved in its removal and installation on Volkswagen Passat?

  A:

  It is important to remember that the driveshaft should not be bent at an angle steeper than 25 degrees and it is recommended that a holding device be used to hold both halves straight and this can be constructed of a piece of 2x4 of the correct size with wooden blocks at both ends. In case of the unavailability of a fixture, hold the driveshaft in a flat position with the help of a floor jack or otherwise. As of now, the drive shaft cannot be replacement parts so when the CV joints, U-joint, or center support bearing wear, the whole part will have to be replaced and it would be advisable to consult a professional in the field of drivelines to see what can be done to salvage the situation. The first thing to do is to elevate the vehicle and place it on jackstands and mark the position of the CV joints relative to the respective flanges. Hold up one end of the driveshaft and the other with support then loosen the bolts holding the CV joints in place. The next step is to take out the nuts connecting the center support bearing bracket to the floorpan with a note of the shim positions and remove the driveshaft carefully. To install them, follow the steps of removal in reverse though making sure that previous gasket material is removed and new gaskets are installed, new CV joint bolts are installed, heat shield must be restored to its original position, and shims should be returned to their original locations. Prior to attaching the center support bearing nuts, slide the bearing to the front and rear to indicate the position of the bracket on the floorpan then position the bracket in between the two indications and tighten all fasteners to the recommended values.