Fanaudical

I have a '92 Audi 100, front wheel drive, automatic. I went to pull the driver-side front driveshaft last night to replace a CV boot, and just could not get the shaft out of the car. (I've done this repair before and don't remember it being this difficult.)

I pulled the main center hub bolt, jacked up the car, removed the trans flange bolts, turned the steering wheel to the right lock. I move the transmission-end of the shaft as far up and forward as possible, but that doesn't seem to provide enough clearance for the outer joint to slide out of the steering knuckle.

What am I missing?

The_Hamster

If you remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle you can turn the strut further and get it off. This can stress the brake line so it is best to remove the caliper at the same time.

Fanaudical

Thanks for the reply. I had considered doing this, but have successfully removed this half-shaft without having to undo any of the steering linkages. (This is confirmed in the factory repair manual.)

Is there any possibility that a motor or transaxle mount has shifted/broken and caused this kind of obstruction? I can't move either at all.

The_Hamster

Removing the tie rod is considered around here to be the quickest/surefire way to get it done quickly. If your mount was broken you would feel the engine shift.

Other possible option is try to put the car on it's wheels to compress the suspension, see if the axle is easier to slip out in that setup. Do not roll the car with the axle removed from the hub, bearing damage will result.

Fanaudical

Pulling the tie-rod was pretty painless and helped get enough clearance. Thanks!