OOOOya

While swapping the 16" rubber back onto the 2.8 A6 yesterday, I found a split CV boot.

I've posted before how it's easy to remove the entire axle without pinch bolt removal:
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/717780.phtml">here</a> &amp; <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/568571.phtml">here</a>
Those posts were worthless without pictures though.

Tools used:
(didn't make the photo)
1/2" breaker bar
3' pipe
Utility Knife

(pictured)
Shot filled plastic hammer
Vice Grips
2mm allen wrench
5/64" allen wrench
side cutters
10" 3/8 drive extension
20" 3/8 drive extension
17mm 1/2 drive allen
#10 3/8 drive triple square
6mm 3/8 drive allen
3/8 drive universal joint
3/8 drive ratchet
small German flat blade screwdriver
17mm deep socket on 1/2 impact
Honda CT110 fork leg (cheater for the 3/8 ratchet)
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5531.jpg">

The victim, 3 days before she'll be subjected to some mileage down some remote CO dirt roads (the reason for getting the boot replaced pronto).
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5527.jpg">

Axle bolt is already removed, working on the 3 inner joint shield bolts
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5517.jpg">

Removing six #10 triple square bolts
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5518.jpg">

I was R&amp;R'n the drivers side, so crank the steering to the right, pull the inner joint outward &amp; swing it forward &amp; up into the empty space. Yank the outer joint out of the wheel hub. Ta-Da. The axle is out - you can see it just to the right of the upright and above (behind) the caliper.
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5519.jpg">

Another shot before I actually took it out
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5520.jpg">

And another from beneath the brake caliper
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5521.jpg">

Axle in vice for surgery
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5523.jpg">

Boot bands clipped off, boot cut off, joint knocked off
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5524.jpg">

Joint cleaned out, new boot slipped on axle, joint greased &amp; reinstalled on axle
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5525.jpg">

Had to get creative with the new boot clamps - I don't yet have the clamp tool. My VAG tech friend suggests just using the side cutters to clamp the bands, but mine are actually sharp and would likely cut them before clamping.
I used the 2mm allen, 5/64" allen, and vice grips which worked a lot better than I figured it might.
<img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/JT-_photos/A6/IMG_5529.jpg">

Installation is the reverse of removal.

RLG

nice!!

audikillsbmw

Nice

Stampy

awesome DIY

5speed6 v.2

Good job.

Edd W

into.

I find it easier to drop the bottom rear suspension link as this allows enough movement to on the 2.7 as well.

Grapeking

lower control arm to make just enough space to remove the axle - and I do mean just enough - it is still tight.

Kris Hansen

less work than removing the heat shield, but I like your way too. In truth, there is no right way or wrong way, though I find that removing the pinch bolt and upper arms is the hardest way, even if the pinch bolt comes right out.. you just don't get that much room to pull the joint out unless you also remove the tie rod end..

Li3ny

If you load the suspension the 2.7 axle falls right out.

Kris Hansen

doesn't on a 2.8, I tried..