Tailshaft problems??

[S. Jaworski]

The center bearing is a common problem on high mileage quattros. The main
reason is because nobody ever greases the bearing.
Greasing it is no simple matter either, because the nipple is not always
oriented correctly for a normal grease gun to fit between the universal
joint yokes.
You can buy a grease gun nipple adapter . . . long snout with a concave
nylon fitting on the end. The long snout should fit between the yokes . .
push the nylon end against the grease nipple . . . hold it tight and apply
the grease.
The better way of doing the job is to take out(not difficult) the drive
shaft, clean and regrease the cd joints on each end and install new cv
boots. While the shaft is out, you can bend the U joint and adjust the
nipple so you can get at it when the shaft is in installed position. Mark
the shaft with paint before you take it out . . .so you can put it back in
same relation to center and rear differential hubs. Its not really critical,
by why screw around with a possible balance problem later on. You can also
spray paint the center bearing supports, so on installation you can line
that up correctly.
While you have that shaft out, now is the time to work on the emergency
brake calipers. With the E brake levers cleaned and greased, you can now
adjust the E-brake cable adjuster(which is a bitch to get at with drive
shaft installed).
If you grease the center bearing each time you do an oil change . .. it
should last forever.
Now that you have the experience from the center shaft . . .. you can
rebuild the four front and rear half shafts. They are almost the same in
design as the center cv joints.
There are some tricks involved in removing the cv joint from the shaft. And,
you need to be careful assembling the cv joint . . .you can do it backwards
. .. actually, its easier that way . . but the joint will NOT flex.
A nice weekend project . . .and the shafts will be good for another 100k
miles.
Buy lots of paper towels . . .the job is MESSY!  But the grease on the hands
feels sooooooo good! Oh yeah!!

Syl
88 5kq
90 100q
=====================

> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 04:40:30 -0700 (PDT)
> From: ANTHONY ATTARD <acattard at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Tailshaft problems??
> To: quattro at audifans.com
>
> Good monring everyone.
>
> Has anyone on the list ever replaced  the tailshaft on
> a 89-model 90 Q? Where can find a rebuild/used one ??
> Has anyone ever greased the center universal joint ??
> Will I be able to get to the grease nipple with an
> ordinary grease gun?  Thank a bunch in advance.
>
>
> Tony
>