im_cecil

Trying to replace a front outer boot -- right/passenger side.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30439/full.jpg">

I know I'm dense but... I can't get the brake/wheel assembly to separate from the axle. I'm going to try to pull the joint off while the axle is still in the car.

I have the upper control arms out of the steering knuckle. The tie rod end bolts are loose and partially off but I haven't separated the tie rod end yet -- looks like I should but I wanted to confirm. The axle nut is out.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30439/bolts.jpg">

And I have the ABS sensor out. The clamp on the boot is off.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30439/sensor.jpg">

I'm trying to get to the states shown in the following 2 pictures where I'm staring at the bare axle stub. What am I missing? Is it just the tie rod end?

Thanks for any help.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/Lefko/Audi/DSCN5893.jpg">
<img src="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/pics/wheel37-07.JPG">

dansworld

take the tierod off and you will be able to move the hub and get the axel out

ski ya later

remove abs sensor or the tie-rod end. Actually there is a way to remove the axle w/o even removing hub from the upper CA.
at this point all you need to do is use the axle bolt (unless that threaded rod is going into and thru the outer joint) and ratchet into the outer cv until the joint "pops" from the axle.

ski ya later

(if he wants the axle out) all he needs to do is remove the inner cv bolts from trans.

SBGTi96

I agree with dansworld...that is how I've done every CV boot on these cars

4Driver4

I usually push it out with an air hammer, but you could probably screw the old bolt back in a few turns and whack it with a hammer.

SBGTi96

I thought it was that the stub axle was out far enough, but unable to swing around and clear the hub

SBGTi96

Ok so after rereading it I think you are right, joint just needs to be whacked like you said

im_cecil

4Driver4 has it read correctly. At this point it's not a matter of clearance -- I'm not even there yet. I expected the hub and brake assembly to slide right off but I guess that was wishful thinking.

If I get behind it with a BFH and whack it towards the outside of the car it should break free and slide offI? I guess it's just lightly corroded on. Necessary to finish undoing the tie rod end?

Looks like I'm on the right track, eh?

Those upper control arm stub are going to be a b!tch to realign and get back into to knuckle, aren't they?

4Driver4

The bolt will help you achieve both goals. Screw it in a few turns and hammer the head inward to push the joint out of the hub (obviously you will need to take the bolt out once it bottoms on the hub).

Once the CV is out of the hub, screw the bolt in again to force the joint off the shaft.