Driveshaft Stuck In Rear Final Drive

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

Hey everybody. I started working on pulling the rear differential to install the JHM LSD and I ran into a snag on the last step of course. Everything is unbolted and it’s ready to yank out, however like the title says the driveshaft won’t come out of the rear final drive. The Bentley Manual says to just remove the 6 bolts then pull it out. Well I can’t do that. Somebody please help me figure out how to get this bitch out so I can call it a night. Here are some pics.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/29/6920c865796411296f018c528970ddbc.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/29/985e870b17bde06508066fc878decfa9.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/29/4d25f974fdc7a779b891e7f69fafa0c6.jpg

And of course thanks to everyone who helps. It’s always greatly appreciated.

#2

I bet if you continue to rock it back and forth it’ll eventually come free.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/29/822977c7eb64bf09dcbebe720a12aaa2.jpg

#3

Are those pics showing you got it out. If not hit the flange and rotate the drive shift. Also spray the drive shift flange meeting point. As you rotate the flange tap the back of the flange and then firmly hit the drive shift flange from the side as you spin it. After about 4 or 5 full revolutions it will pop out.

#4

Hey Justin, thanks for the advice. Yeah I was trying to disconnect it for an hour before I posted. Then 10 minutes after I posted it came free. I guess persistence was the key.

#5

I had a solid half hour of banging, jarring and cussing before mine finally came free

#6

That is the right attitude. Just be patient and keep going at it.

The same thing happens at the other end by the transmission when doing a clutch or tranny rebuild if you live any where that sees winter and salt. I had to put a note in my DIY about this and here is the picture that I posted.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/20140903_115559_resized_zps57668e82.jpg

#7

Jimmy that looks like the two handed approach. Much faster results that way.

MDUBZ nice to hear you got it sorry I didn’t get back to post my answer sooner

#8

Only one hand used. That is my trusty three pound hammer that I use for just about everything. The other hand is holding the smartphone to take the picture.

#9

Justin, the last thing you need to do is apologize. Between you and Jimmy I feel like I could put the car back together from a pile of bolts and parts. Plus, like I said, I figured it out about 10 minutes after the op. I wouldn’t expect anybody to provide help that fast. I don’t think I’d be offended if you sent me a PayPal money request for all the help you’ve provided me lol. Thanks again guys. Jimmy, thanks for the glove trick with the driveshaft end and final drive.

#10

Glad to have you hear love reading your build thread more them happy to help.

#11

MDubz what fluid are you going to run in the LSD?

#12

I actually ended up picking up some LiquiMoly 75w90 when I was at Napa getting oil the other week. I figured it’d probably be a pretty good choice considering the quality of their engine oil. I’ll let you know if I have any issues with it.

#13

I have been very happy with red line. All there products have done well for me.

#14

If it’s really stuck on there:

Start car, press the brakes, press clutch, put in 1st, barely let out the clutch until it breaks loose, done. You may need to replace the driveshaft seal if it’s torn in the process.

#15

Seems like a pretty good if all else fails solution. Unfortunately that wouldn’t have helped me with the axles and brakes pulled out of the car.

#16

Good idea koolade you should post more. The only possible down side to this idea is if the driver keeps going or let’s off the breaks. Then you would have a possible issue. Or maybe not right because the rear wheels wouldn’t be spinning