Type 44 rear suspension parts interchange?

[Chris Semple]

> I have a bad wheel bearing in the rear of my 87 5ktq and want to replace it
> ASAP due to a planned trip a few days from now.  I thought it was tire
> noise, but learned today it is a failing bearing, and pretty far gone.  So
> I'm considering my options.
>
> I don't have a replacement bearing on hand, and time is short.
>
> But I do have a complete rear suspension from an 89 200Q, with good
> bearings, and wonder if I could swap the wheel bearing housing from it onto
> my 87.  ETKA shows different part numbers for the bearing housings which
> raises an obvious question about whether this would work.
>
> For the 87 it's 443 505 432A
> For the 89 it's 4A0 505 432A
>
> Does anyone know if these can be interchanged?
>
> Thanks,
> Dave C.
> Columbus, OH
>
Hi Dave, the short answer is yes, it'll fit, but you'd need to swap the 
matching 200tq axleshaft+hub. The 5000tq is a nut style outer joint with 
fine spline ABS, while the 200tq is a bolt style outer with coarse ABS. 
So while the mechanical swap will work as I described it, the ABS will 
likely complain and opt out after a mile or so.

Hope this helps!

-Cheers
-Chris Semple
Concord NH
'84 4000q
     '03 Allroad 6spd
          '99 A4qA 1.8T
               '08 E350 Club