How to remove, install axle shaft, inspect clicking CV joint, VW Passat and Audi A4 A6 DIY driveaxle

www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/cv-... for more details on this model. I recommend www.raxles.com for quality rebuilt replacement axles. This video shows DIY driveaxle axle replacement. The CV joint was clicking so it was replaced with a high quality rebuilt axle. The model shown is a B5 VW Passat which is the same as similar generation Audi A4, A6, A8 but these tips can apply to most cars.

[@DrewFuss]

This was seriously a great video to learn from. It really isn’t that hard of a job once you watch your tutorial and study up on it. Thank you for taking your time to help others learn to fix their own vehicles so we don’t have to spend thousands at dealerships. Def gotta thumbs up and a new subscriber here.

[@julius350z]

Just wanted to let you know you are a great teacher! I contacted Raxles last night and they got back to me on a sunday! Nice people for sure! I emailed him and mentioned you in the email! I really appreciate people like yourself who take the time to make such informative videos.

[@karldavid894]

A breath of fresh air, this was the most well explained video on KZbin, its just like being bk at college, top bloke

[@teamdowney9307]

Just did the axles on an 04 Passat. Your video was extremely informative and helped us knock out the job with ease! Used Raxles this time. They feel twice as strong as the cheap Chinese crap from the parts stores. Thanks for spending the time on this video.

[@Brown969]

Having never replaced a cv joint/axel before, I found your video very helpful and giving me the confidence to diy. Reinstalling the axel will hopefully be as easy as removal...

[@jamesgraeme3657]

This video helped me a lot to replace my drive shaft. Thanks for taking the time to post it and also for your web site that has lots of other useful guides. I just wanted you to know that it's really appreciated.

[@sortedtales]

Good video. No BS and just the right amount of good humour.

[@5250lucky]

drivers side cvc axle replacement for 2001 volkswagon jetta automatic transmission

[@sortedtales]

Are those rims the 'Montreal II's?

[@briangreenhalgh6475]

Great Video. Going to get dirty this weekend on my 2001 A4. My experience with RAXLES was above what I expected.

[@crash_override9435]

Love the precise nature of this video, with just enough theory and tips. You did wonderful - I wish most were as concise as this.

[@AutoMediaGroup_ca]

Probably one of the best diy videos on youtube. Thank you for your video.

[@Shinamura]

This video is PERFECT!!! Exactly what I needed to see. I drive a 00 Audi A4 1.8tqm and the right side boot is torn. You gave me enough confidence to wrench it myself and save some money on labor!

[@alt9515]

Thanks to this video I was able to do this job myself on my 2004 VW Passat Wagon 1.8T (standard transmission) !!! ***Might be worth noting or editing this video to show that in order to tighten the inner cv joint bolts the vehicle must either be in gear or one must insert lug nuts into the brake caliper to keep the axle from rotating. A screwdriver alone in the caliper would not hold it in my case. Please excuse me if any of my comments are inaccurate. I'm a total novice. Thank you Myturbodiesel for the Video and Raxles for a terrific product.

[@LiveFreeOrFry]

Very well done and comprehensive. Thank you. Ive been working on VWs since the early 70s.

[@VFizz]

Great vid I have done my own brakes for years but was always afraid to replace axles I will definitely use your tips when I replace axles on my Passat Thanks again! BTW- that was a well behaved cat

[@henrymart]

Great video. I just replaced both axles on my 1999 B5 (Passat V6 automatic transmission) and it was truly easier than I thought. I did need to buy a couple of tools I didn't have (1/2" breaker bar from Amazon, hex socket set, and a 17mm Hex socket). I agree that the manual states to remove the suspension arms, but for my vehicle this is completely unnecessary, as you mention in the video. This saves lots of time and bruised knuckles! Just follow the video and you are home free.. Thanks for the video!

[@berlisss]

thank you VERY MUCH. this is one of the most detailed and professional videos i have seen on the subject!!

[@charlyjo]

V. V v. V. V. V. v. , ggofkxgf

[@bobby6631]

Cats are amazing !!! just small lions!! This is one of the most excellent videos for axle removal on Audi you make it look simple.. very informative to the point and clear. Thanks didn’t know about regrinds!!

[@87Maluna]

Hey, I just want to thank you for your video. It helped me out a ton today. I was working on a 2005 Passat 1.8T Auto. The repair manual I have said to take the entire steering knuckle out. Man, was I happy I came across your vedio while looking for an easier way to do it. Once again, thank you. Awesome video! :)

[@coachjackson6211]

Thanks for the right up. '01 Audi allroad. Inner boot was torn. Really bad vibration on acceleration. Stick on 6mt would vibrate violently on accelration. Triple square bolts are just crazy. First 5 bolts came out easy. Stripped last bolt of course. Mixed ATF and acetone 50/50 as a penetrating. Tried vice grips no luck. Propane heat and vice grips, no luck. Drilled thru with reverse bit and reverse extractor. Could not get enough pressure to get extractor to drill into the bolt. Had to break out the sawzall with bimetal blade. Split head bolt in half to make a slot. Intention was to put a flat head bit into the slot and turn it with pneumatic drill. Slot not wide enough for flat head bit. Took long chisel to the slot to make it wider. Half the head came off. Side hammered the remaining piece of the bolt head. Finally success, the dam thing moved. Used the extractor bit to remove the bolt. 20 min to put the axle in according to your video. No need to remove the knuckle. It was a little tight in there. I did use three jack stands for extra safety. I'm no mechanic but vids like yours give me the confidence to give it a try.

[@barry2776]

Thank you very much for the detailed and explanation / recommendation of the critical parts. I am not a fan of my 07 Jetta GLI Turbo 210k but it is people like yourself that keep me hanging on to it. Again Thank you

[@Venezia1110]

Thanks for making this easy! Found pulling on shaft expands length so there seemed not enough room in A4 b5. I had to grab the inner flange and pull to compress both joints and shorten the whole shaft. Shift inner toward front, then really use full length of axle bolt to push out splined end. Push/pull joints, not shaft, and keep is short. Same on install, use bolt to pull splined outer into hub, then compress and slide in the inner. Raxles are best, but FYI, no flange bolts incl. for Audis.

[@dustbags1]

Excellent video, helped a lot. Thought changing the axle on my volkswagen would be harder than all of the other non-vw cars Ive done the job on, but it appears to be pretty simple. Thank you!

[@wizkid01]

p-i-p-e 300 dollars... that was hillarious, couldn't stop laughing 😂

[@JRo250]

Excellent, EXCELLENT video! Great audio/video quality and great directions and detail along the way. At times it sounds like you're reading a script but that's probably because you know what you're doing.

[@slipperyslope3912]

6:15 "I like to loosen the hex bolts with hand tools so I can inevitably strip them out later with the air gun." 🤣🤣🤣

[@spyromcfarfenugen]

Good vid man. Still helpin people in 2019. I'm about to go at this on my 2001 Passat. Thanks for the vid and badass cat!

[@Rynoheonlydoesawsome]

VERY VERY WELL DONE!!! its so hard to find videos like this for my a4

[@MiselStarmo]

Very informative. The sound's been driving me crazy-now I know what to buy and how to fix it. Cheers.

[@BradleyStoneV]

Thanks for a great video! I just replaced the front drivers side axle (with a Raxles axle of course) on my A4 B5 30v and this video was perfect. The only difference on mine was a heat shield with 3 allen head bolts that was easily removed first.

[@mortennilssen3114]

Thanks for a great video. Not so easy to get the old axle out of the wheel assembly, but easier than removing suspension parts, I guess. Piece of cake to install the new axle. RAXLES rock!

[@BadDuet]

11:00 mins in and we get some bonus internet cat, thanks for the good video. You've done all the research.

[@ummerkhan1982]

Thank you dude, great video and has helped me determine the knocking noise from my CV joints. Will be replacing both sides tomorrow. But best advice from you about the vibrations and replace the whole axle rather than engine mounts as so many people have told me since i got my dual mass flywheel done that the mounts could have cracked but its exactly as you said vibration on idle from the inner joint. Will be replacing both sides tomorrow on my Audi A3 2.0tdi DSG Sline 2007 model! Great help, appreciate it. And love the cat!!!

[@tiffanysmith8908]

Thanks! my god. I knew it couldn't be THAT hard. And I'm stoked to see that its quick. I know it can be up to 35 minutes per side. I bought brand new OEM axles for both sides. Thanks for being awesome.

[@jonathonharrington7969]

Very helpful! Everything was pretty much the same on my 2002 audi a4. very glad i found this. dont know what i would have done without this. THANKS!!!!!

[@RomanTrollanski]

Can you please reply with the tools size and type you use to get the CV joint out?! Need to go to the store to buy them. Thanks in advance!

[@cyntia2623]

you made popping out that axle easier than it was at least for me.

[@thormetzinger2172]

Awesome video man!! This is EXACTLY what I needed. I don't have the maintenance manual-- so the only thing that would have really helped this video more is if you gave torque specs for the bolts--Thanks for the RAXLES link too I will totally mention you.

[@klown81381]

Your video saved me a lot of time on my cv axles thanx for the help!

[@jaakiekko77]

Thanks man, the advice was good and the cat hanging around was a really good addition. Cheers!

[@martincampbell1858]

used the same method on 2004 skoda 2.5 tdi v6 diesel worked a treat thanks a lot

[@chupalia]

This is the best DIY car vid on youtube.

[@rosincore]

I would buy from Raxles. I bought two within the last week and have never been so satisfied by a supplier! The packaging was very great, came along with torque specs, tools, pre paid shipping label, new 17mm allen bolt and the 6 bolts that hold the axle to the transmission. What more could you ask for.. For that price. Ill pay more money upfront for these, rather than buying autozone and have to replace it 8 months down the road... No my choice. Thanks myturbodieseld0tcom for your review!

[@richardtaft8921]

This is great!! Love it, I only wish I would have seen it before I took My 2005 TDI into the VW Dealer and paid 800.00 to have them change out the motor mounts to stop the vibration. NOT

[@joeackerson8425]

Thanks for mixing in some humor. I'm going to replace both sides on my B5.5 this week. I did buy rebuilt from auto parts store and noticed the VW/Audi stamp on the joints. It will be interesting to compare them to OEM. I was surprised both outer OEM boots were completely split after 75k miles. Took 175k for one to split on my Honda. Love the VW though.

[@elijahschott9978]

Doing the Job on my Audi TT Quatro. Thanks for the video.

[@bsj911uk]

Great Video, The process was broken down well and very informative 10/10. many thanks.

[@Blaydrnnnr]

My sons Passat is a 2002, I think that makes it a B5.5? Hope this is the same. I am going to try this this week. 17mm hex, 10mm triple square bit, 6mm hex for heatshiled, hopefully 2 correct axles from Cardone.

[@allieslingerland]

OMG he is so right about the axles, I change my axles more than i change my breaks on my paSSAT in last few years.

[@ElectroRaveRangers]

i'll be doing this very job soon on mine (i also like the cat) so thank you for a very helpful video! do you have a video on replacing wheel speed sensors at all? i've got a copy of VCDS, says front right, and rear right wheel speed sensors are at fault. i'm not sure how the lining up works

[@KamionKing]

What type of air compressor and air tools do you have/use?

[@juliozotero100]

Its has been one uf tve best vídeos i have seen . Crear job, thanks

[@Rickytricky01]

I liked the cat in the video also the driveshaft swap was fairly informative.

[@FloridaBikeSupplyOnline]

Hey, great video! I'm doing this to a audi a4 b6 3.0 Quattro, and I cant reach the top bolt for the heat shield. Any tips on getting it out of there? Or maybe work a around leaving the heat shield in? Thanks!

[@DagemBeedeLemma]

Really informative. thanks for this. what year is the Passat?

[@tshon2]

Ok, I've tried working with this video for my 2008 Audi A4 B7 2.0t and unfortunately this video doesn't completely help. You all the way, I mean it's spot on for but you cannot access the third screw or middle screw at the top of the shield that you need to remove to maneuver the drive axle out. This video got me so close and I applaud the details.

[@Karibbean]

Totally didn't recognize the cat rubbing on his arm until he was done speaking lol.. Professional review 5 stars***** Thank you for your help!

[@FrankJamesMusic]

Love the Tabby! My fav. Kitty. Thanks so much for the help.

[@ericsloane1844]

Thankyou for your very instructional video. Did this job myself thanks to it.

[@Kstevieg]

Great video with proper lighting, angle, focus, and special "cat" effects. Now, as for the spline fasteners, I appreciate your calling out of the size--it sure made me appreciate regular SAE & M 6 point cap screws on my USA built equipment. Remind me of any possible advantage internal spline has over a grade 8, 6 point nut or cap??? Thanks.

[@user1250]

Thank man saved a lot of money following this video to the T

[@adrianaugustus2815]

Great vid. Just wondering, should the inner joint rollers be able to pop out easily? I suddenly lost drive - on inspection I discovered the driveshaft had popped out from the inner joint! The boot rubber is ok, not sure what happened to the clip that holds it onto the inner joint. The inner joint bearings are a little worn, but I wouldn't have expected the shaft to be able to pop out like that when driving.

[@jacobekoba200]

I have learnt so much from the video clip. well done

[@duffman1442]

Excellent video, both for the info and production quality. Just noticed a torn CV Boot on my '03 Passat while repairing something unrelated. No clicking, so I'll try to patch the boot with one of those quickie kits and save up for new axles when that inevitable day comes. How do you feel about those boot repair kits?

[@lvwrx]

great vid, thanks for the help. those pinch bolts are a PITA. had to change my control arms on a B6, used heat and air hammer to pull it....no fun

[@vilsonj.castaneda31]

Hi there, great video. Is it normal for axle to move side to side? I replaced mine at Firestone and some time later I started getting a noise when car is rolling or at about 20-30 mph. It does not happen when I turn and it is coming from the passenger side. Any thoughts? Could it be wheel bearing? I had also seen that video of yours. Thanks

[@TheTank1664]

2020 and your video has saved me lots of £££££ sir i thank you.

[@emtmike541]

Do you recomend putting anti-sieze on the new spline before inserting it into the hub.

[@mr.gwarkkkminddgreat6943]

Hi chris, hope you're fine, my engine mounts and transmission mount are fine but still i have clunking sounds whenever i shift the gear from drive to reverse, i can hear also the clunk sounds when i accelerate suddenly, could be this a cv joint? Take note, i don't have clicking sounds when turning either left or right, no steering vibration as well, could be a worn cv joint or a sway bar? My car is honda civic 2008 AT, thanks in advance!

[@sailrini]

I just bought a 2002 passat, i really want to do mechanical work and its something I definitely want to get into with this car. Could I do this myself, especially if I have someone who has done a CV joint before?Also my serpentine belt needs replaced, might be a good idea for a video :) definitely subbing, your videos are nice and straight forward !

[@tajamalrafiq3651]

That video was really good but a couple of question I hope you can answer. Was your wheel off the ground? I had replaced driveshaft off the ground, does that make any difference ? First I had replaced front outer driveshaft/boot(joint) on left and right side. Left side started making grinding noise and i replaced that with a new driveshaft (STARK) . I drove around a while and clicking sound appears now, what could that be ?

[@GymChess]

Question: I noticed after a wheel bearing job that the shop hadn't tightened the cotter pin properly and it was basically loose. Is that anything to worry about? I've been driving over a month with it.

[@clauzpedersen3593]

Thank you so much for making this video. now wish me good luck!

[@Mr2pint]

Good video, full of useful tips - much appreciated!

[@jonathanganther6116]

hahah that cat cracked me up, when It comes to Audi's I always want to look up if there anything special before I get to work, man the internet is better than All-Data. Thanks for the how to.

[@Audiovolution]

Excellent vid. Im having trouble maneuvering the website, would you happen to know off the top of your head how much itll cost me for a pair? Only one of my joints is bad but my passat is at 137k and i dont know how the previous owner treated it so i suppose it would be smart just to change both of them while ive got the car in the shop?

[@dyl8ed1]

Thanks for a great video. Do you know if I can replace my front axles in my 1997 A4 1.8tqm with axles from a 1999 or 1998 A4 2.8qm?

[@roderickfysh]

may God bless you for loving your cat so much

[@diamari91]

Would a bad axle rattle or clank successfully upon acceleration? Or rattle in general if badly damaged, or prolonged use?

[@yupimalex]

Trying desperatley to install my raxle axle without removing that pinch bolt. However, on the W8 passat it looks like the catalytic converter is in the way of the axle to shove it up and in like you did. That being said, will removing the pinch bolt really get you that much space? Doesn't seem like it would to me, I only need about 4mm of clearance to get everything in place.

[@tomthompson7400]

those centre bolts can be really really tight , and I mean really tight. Handy video as I didnt know I could get away without dropping ball joints etc.

[@LewisDreama]

I have one question I own a 2005 Audi all road when I drive straight or when I turn either way it clicks that same noise could it still be the axle or is it in the transmission

[@deasttn]

I don't get that clacking noise when turning. I do get a similar shaking when i accelerate and brake. DO you think it's CV joint? I don't get play in my wheel when i jack up the car (it doesn't wiggle).

[@dubious5515]

myturbodieseldotcom Thanks to you I got my new axle shipped in today! Can't wait to install it! :D

[@mattkukor6017]

I've had this problem going on in my 02 vw jetta, I just had the axles and lower control arms replaced about a month ago, after a few weeks of driving my car with brand new axles and control arms, my car still knocks when turning to the right and accelerating. Any idea what could be making the knocking noise? P.S I also checked the tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings, struts (etc.) everything seems to be in check

[@federalrj94]

I'm possibly about to buy an 98 Audi a4 with a bad cv . Guy already has a replacement but I don't have the socket pieces for it. Where an how much did you get yours that You showed in the box, plus with everything else you replaced? Thanks

[@bagdatpaypa_chasa]

Does the tools you spoke on come with the axle when you purchase it ? or person has to go buy those components ?

[@Josh4663]

Do you need to grease the outside splines before you slide the axles back in. My buddy told me I should have but I didn't. I though just the inside needed to be greased. But I'm doing the other side now so should I grease it or no? And if yes that the other side back apart?

[@thomasprince5452]

if I have a loud clack only when I turn right is that the cv joint

[@TheKeithuk]

Another good video Chitty, the forum has gone crap since you sold the forum, the TDI Wiki link doesn't show now

[@stigerjw]

Thanks for the vid. Great detail. Regarding Raxles, I used them users ago to replace the CV axles on my Eagle Talon. Great company and great product.

[@stephenjohnson3078]

Is this process similar on a 2010 q5 3.2? And also is the inner hardware a one time use or can I use it again?

[@TheChrisrods77]

Awesome tutorial, Cool nosy cat...keep up the good work.

[@joeyglasses4050]

very informative! you my man are a very good teacher... i owe you a case of beer!!!!

[@mrtee3477]

Joseph Worthy donate to his paypal.

[@skurtov]

Last time i removed my axle on the passenger side it was too long and i couldn't remove it. Is the transmission on the gasoline five speed Passats larger than on the TDIs?

[@justincampbell7651]

I'm hoping this is going to fix my Passat's problem. If I'm driving and come to a stop I can turn the wheel either way with no vibrations but during acceleration if I'm turning the wheels (such as into a turn) I feel and hear a sort of slow shudder in the wheel. Thought maybe since it was during a left or right turn it might be the power steering but it doesn't do it at a standstill so maybe not.

[@uCare2much4them]

Very good information. Size bolts and tools used and points of interest in addition to overview and problem issue are helpful. I would suggest getting a ball and socket rather than the universal you use as they can flip with power tools and do not deliver constant torque. SnapOn tool is work the price over cheaper ones. Thanks for the GREAT video. Also the power boot spreader is really helpful for installing boots without disassemble. Never use the split boots that are sold as a fix for damaged boots.

[@rfn944]

How did you get that passenger axle out? What is the make, model, and engine? I have a 2003 Passat 1.8T AWM, I think it is a B5, but not sure. Couldn't get it out, struggled for and hour, gave up, and put it all back.

[@bagdatpaypa_chasa]

my cousin has a 2002 Volkswagen passat wagon with a 1.8L engine. i saw in video here that the center bolt was regular looking. 17mm Hex socket type nut is on her wheel. An there is a M10 Torx Bit required i gather are for the 6 bolts close to engine. Can you use the regular looking bolt in place of the wheel center 17mm Hex nut ? If yes what bolt can be safely used ? What are the torque Specs to button everything thats been taken loose ? Thanks

[@Neal2G]

@myturbodieseld0tcom Thanks for the video, I haven't attempted the task yet. Where is the best place to find the tools that you used? I live in West Palm, FL, and at the main auto parts stores it's hard to find the tool that losens the center of the wheel.

[@pauleasterbrook658]

My cv joints came with the left end (Car end) uncapped, grease was all inside the shipping bag. Is it still good or should i send em back?