[s-cars] Lucky '95 S-6 Owner

[Steve Powers]

On 8/14/05, Bill de Alva <billdealva at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> Steve,
>  
> I'm certain you are correct - that the axle has either broken or come apart
> at either the wheel or the front differential / transmission.  I am 300
> miles from the nearest Audi dealer and 50 miles from the nearest qualified
> mechanic.  I would like to determine the exact problem and whether any parts
> need to be replaced.  

maybe a lister lives nearby. where are you?

> It is difficult to imagine how the torsion bar - control arm joint could go
> back together without the drive axle engaging at both ends.  On the other
> hand wouldn't a shattered axle make some noise when the car is moved or the
> transmission put in gear?

maybe. if it's clear of the housing it might not.

> In any case, I would like to attempt at least a visual inspection so that I
> am better able to assess my options.  I've posted the Bentley pages relating
> to service of the axle and CV joints here.  The instructions on removal of
> the axle include the following caution: 
> 
> 
> WARNING!
> 
> Do not loosen the bolt/washer assembly for the wheel hub unless the
> 
> car is standing on its wheels-risk of accident!
> 
> My questions now are: 
> 
> (1) Is the above caution simply intended to protect against application of
> too much torque on the drive axle?, 

not sure. probably not going to make a difference in your case.
there's likely a catastrophic failure in there somewhere.

> (2) Once loosened, should the wheel be removed to complete removal of the
> axle?

I would jack up the car and remove the wheel first. you will want to
remove the caliper and rotor also. tie up the caliper with a clothes
hanger to avoid straining the brake line. once all of that is removed
you have a good view of the axle.

> (3) Does the drive axle simply pull out of the outer CV joint once
> disconnected at the transmission flange (the instructions are not clear)?

there should be a circlip holding on the outer CV joint. it just pulls out.

> (4) What are the chances that I could diagnose the problem by pulling back
> the inner and outer cCVboots? 

jack the car up, remove the wheel and look around. tug and pull on
things. from the symptoms you describe the, problem should be obvious.

be careful and good luck!

Steve Powers