Is changing osf drive shaft easy?

[Craig1985]

As above, I'm In need of changing my driveshaft and didn't know if it's an easy thing to do? Can't find a how2 neither

[John LE]

Very easy mate,

1. Fit the space saver onto the car and let the car off the jack. Slacken off the drive shaft retaining nut

2. Take the wheel back off and remove the track rod end from the hub carrier, remove the brake caliper and disc, then take out the bottom wishbone ball joint. This will allow the hub to move freely.

3. Using a lever disconnect the driveshaft from the intermediate shaft, you can lever against the intermediate shaft bracket.

4. Pull the drive shaft out of the intermediate shaft and rest it so it won't get damaged. Using a puller, pull the hub off of the drive shaft

[mucklestone]

Alternatively;

1. Remove wheel and get someone to press the brakes whilst you slacken the drive shaft retaining nut.

2. Remove lower arm ball joint only. Leave steering track rod and caliper and brakes in place. Steer steering to give you more room.

3. Lever out drive shaft. A quick sharp tap with a hammer on the drive shaft will remove it without a puller. As you are replacing it there is no problem to use a hammer.

4. Refit in reverse and tap gently back into gearbox with a mallet.

5. Remember to refill gearbox oil which will come out when you remove it.

[Craig1985]

Thanks guys gonna give it ago

[Jezzy]

5. Remember to refill gearbox oil which will come out when you remove it.

If it's the F40 gearbox then there's no way of knowing how much oil is left inside (there's no dipstick or fill-level hole), so you'll need to drain it all out and put 2.2 litres back in (about 0.2 litres will refuse to come out, so you'll end up with the required 2.4 litres).

[John LE]

No oil will come out of the gearbox as you are not removing the osf shaft from the gearbox

Also never directly hit a drive shaft with a hammer use a block of wood. You probably will need a puller as I tried knocking it through with a block and it was stuck solid. Wouldn't want you to get it into bits and then realise you have to go and get a puller

[mucklestone]

No oil will come out of the gearbox as you are not removing the osf shaft from the gearbox

Also never directly hit a drive shaft with a hammer use a block of wood. You probably will need a puller as I tried knocking it through with a block and it was stuck solid. Wouldn't want you to get it into bits and then realise you have to go and get a puller

I added the tap with hammer for good measure, mine just popped out lol.

[mucklestone]

If it's the F40 gearbox then there's no way of knowing how much oil is left inside (there's no dipstick or fill-level hole), so you'll need to drain it all out and put 2.2 litres back in (about 0.2 litres will refuse to come out, so you'll end up with the required 2.4 litres).

Also you can use the metal rod method, like many garages. Before you start stick a rod down the gearbox filler hole and pull it out. You can see the level on it, mark this with paint/pen. Then when you have finished, top the box up to the same level......

Seen this done at an actual VW dealership.

[GazVXLINE170]

No oil will come out of the gearbox as you are not removing the osf shaft from the gearbox

Also never directly hit a drive shaft with a hammer use a block of wood. You probably will need a puller as I tried knocking it through with a block and it was stuck solid. Wouldn't want you to get it into bits and then realise you have to go and get a puller

Btw Craig take John's advice as he's replaced the same part last month.

Gazza4

[Craig1985]

Mines the osf, is it worth replacing any seals?
It's also the 1.9cdti 150 model. So I take it that's it got the f40 box?