how to change right side drive axles on vw NB 2.0L

[learn]

Does anyone has changed drive axles before? could you show me how to change it and what kind of tools to make the job easier?

thanks a lot

[vdubbugman53]

well you need an 8MM triple square bit...can be found at harbor freight. then take wheel off. take the nut that holds the nut that bolts axel to hub off....1 1/4 inch will work though it is one smaller....will need air or a cheater pipe for sure.....unbolt the six triple square bits from side of tranny and bam it is off

[wawalker]

Um, I don't think it's so easy vdubbugman. The bolts are not 8mm triplesquare--that is old bug Type 1 size. My TS was 12mm and porkchop's 2.0 had 10mm. You can't (according to Bentley) fish the axle out of there w/o unbolting the lower ball joint. When I replaced a CV boot on my TS I had to do that. The axle nut is either a 27 or 30mm(can't remember it's been a while) 12 point. It's metric, not 1 1/4" If it was installed w/ correct torque, as mine was, I needed no cheater pipe or air impact tool. Mark the ball joint good to get it back where it was, but I'd still suggest an alignment check.

[learn]

The axle nut is 12 points 1 3/16" and CV joint inner bolts use 12 points 8mm

[vdubbugman53]

Originally Posted by learn

The axle nut is 12 points 1 3/16" and CV joint inner bolts use 12 points 8mm

man im good....yes he is right you still need to disconnect the ball joint...it is 3 13mm( i think) nuts below the lower controle arm.

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by learn

The axle nut is 12 points 1 3/16" and CV joint inner bolts use 12 points 8mm

well, sometimes a standard size matches up well, but I assure you it is metric. This is the 3rd confirmed size of 12 point bit I have heard required to remove the inner CVs--how about some consistency VW?

Mine were definately 12mm--I know because I "got to" buy a new tool when I did it.

[dbbyleo]

Wawalker... did you post instructions for axle removal on another site... I think it was called vdubtech or something. Anyhow, I've forgotten the site and never updated it with my experience of the removal.

Anyhow...
If that was you, then I can say that the sizes you refered to in those instruction didn't exactly match up with what I found. With regards to the triple square, the set I bought ranged 5 different sizes. I suggest to anyone to have a good set since it might differ from what others are saying.

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by dbbyleo

Wawalker... did you post instructions for axle removal on another site... I think it was called vdubtech or something. Anyhow, I've forgotten the site and never updated it with my experience of the removal.

Anyhow...
If that was you, then I can say that the sizes you refered to in those instruction didn't exactly match up with what I found. With regards to the triple square, the set I bought ranged 5 different sizes. I suggest to anyone to have a good set since it might differ from what others are saying.

Actually, I asked how on veedubtech before I did it and then commented on how it went. Like we've said before it seems that the sizes can vary-I have to admit though I was surprised that 8mm is still being used on cars with 2x the HP of the old air-cooled cars.

[Growler]

Originally Posted by wawalker

Actually, I asked how on veedubtech before I did it and then commented on how it went. Like we've said before it seems that the sizes can vary-I have to admit though I was surprised that 8mm is still being used on cars with 2x the HP of the old air-cooled cars.

Actually the site is www.dub-tech.com it is an awesome site to ask these kinds of questions because it is owned and operated by VW Techs from around the country.

as for the axle question.. well, ive never personally had to take one off so.. cannot comment but one thing..

those bolts are supposed to be one time use. I think its because they come with a little dab of threadlock on there. they certainly aren't TTY (Stretch) bolts. so be aware that you will need a little bit of threadlock if you don't mangle the heads getting them loose.

[vdubbugman53]

they are not one time use and i would not recomend using any they are only torqued to about 40 ft lbs and come off very easy.

[vdubbugman53]

can not edit ppost

i do not recomed using any thread lock