Audi drive flange play?

[Casey]

Hello,

Is it normal for there to be slight in-out and side-side play in the Audi transaxle? less than or equal to a milimeter?

If not what is going on?

Casey

[Pete T]

Possibly when it is worn. The differential side gear shims are probably worn which causes the in and out play. Side to side would be caused by either a worn differential housing bore or worn drive flanges. Since the drive flanges are hardened I would probably be the differential housing bores. I have a 944 016 in my garage now with almost no noticeable play either way. I have replaced the side gear shims before because they do wear. I haven't seen one with side to side play of that much though.

The shims are cheap but you need to remove the differential to replace them.

[Casey]

Thanks for the info. Can I remove the flanges to look at the splines with out dismantling the transaxle? Just remove the CV's and unscrew the allen head bolt maybe?

Casey

[Pete T]

Yes, you just remove the bolt in the center and the flange will pull out.