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After some thinking I decided to change the gear ratio in my 2000 Z28. It is an A4 so it has 2.73:1 gears and is a series 2 rear end and has 4 channel abs with tc. After some searching I ordered my gears and various other parts like bearings fluid and gaskets. Once I got my parts I started the teardown. I get to the point were you push the axles in to remove the C-clips and I can’t push far enough to get them to fall out. I do everything I can think of, big C clamps, pry bars, hammering the end of the axle, nothing allows me to get them out. So I start reading here and various other forums and I read that other people have had similar issues from “axle saver” bearings and sure enough it appears I have these bearings causing my problems. After some more research I determine that my only option really to to cut my axles to allow the c clips to come out.
Which comes to my current dilemma; through and friend at work I found a guy who was replacing his axles for stronger ones because he turbocharged his car. His car is a 2000 SS A4 with 3 channel abs and no tc. My question is will these axles work in my rear end? I know my abs light will be on and the traction control won’t work. That doesn’t bother me.
Ive looked into getting new axles from moser but If I can get these axles for free so if I can use them I’d rather do that. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
You pulled the center pin out of the carrier right, so you can push the axles in? I've never had an issue with axle saver bearings causing the c clip to not go in, if they removed the axle to install the axle saver, they had to get the c clip back in to finish the install.
Jesus dude, the abs sensors are stopping them from going in. How in all your searching did you not find that gem of info? Remove them, then the axles push in and c clips will fall out.
^^^ no no no, he's not having a problem getting the clips in,he's having a problem getting the clips OUT.
Did you remove the channel ABS/TC sensors from the brake backings plates ? they also will not allow the axles inward.
In regards to your question,yes the axles will work. All axles (V6,V8,ABS,ABS & TC) are identical in length and surface that rides in the bearing. You just won't have the 'diameter' to press on the tone rings.
Yes I did pull the center pin. I have removed the abs sensors I have took the parking brake shoes off and have loosened the backing plates with no change. I realize that they went in so the should be able to come out but you can see where the people who had it part last beat the c clips in with a hammer. There is markings on the clips and on the end of the axles. And thank you for the info of the axles.
^^^ no no no, he's not having a problem getting the clips in,he's having a problem getting the clips OUT.
Did you remove the channel ABS/TC sensors from the brake backings plates ? they also will not allow the axles inward.
In regards to your question,yes the axles will work. All axles (V6,V8,ABS,ABS & TC) are identical in length and surface that rides in the bearing. You just won't have the 'diameter' to press on the tone rings.
my post was in response to post #2.
Originally Posted by 01ssreda4
Oh you are referring to the other guy
My bad guys, my car's originally a 3 channel and never messed with the 4ch cars. Didn't realize the ABS sensor got in the way, always been a pretty straight forward procedure for pulling C clip axles. And I knew he was having a problem getting them out, he said he couldn't get them to slide far enough in to pull the clip. I've seen people unfamiliar with cars overlook even simpler ****, just trying to help, sounds like ya'll have him in the right direction.
If you have a 2000 car you should have a torsen posi. There is a round gear on each side inside the hole where the c clips are and the gear can move in and out some. Try a light pry on the gear to gain more clearance for the c clip. If i remember right the gears kinda turn and move at the same time.
If you have a 2000 car you should have a torsen posi. There is a round gear on each side inside the hole where the c clips are and the gear can move in and out some. Try a light pry on the gear to gain more clearance for the c clip. If i remember right the gears kinda turn and move at the same time.
Yes I have a Torsen Posi. I’ve tried lightly prying on the round gears at a certain point the actually start pushing the axles out. I’ve tried everying to get enough room with no prevail. I’ve had a few technicians from work look at it as well and they couldn’t figure a way to get them out.
unfortunately no. I actually started this ordeal a few weeks ago and it’s back together at the moment. The car is my only vehicle so once I hit this road block it put it back together and started to look for axles.
I didn’t think to take picture at the time. But when I get it apart again I’ll take some and post it.
the round gears can only go so far outward. If they push the axles out they arent in the furthermost outward position allowing the axle to be inward enough to get the c clip off. Pry them out, while someone pushes the axles back in. Sounds like the splines (between the two) are bent or jammed up. while you pry have some tap the axle in with a hammer.
the round gears can only go so far outward. If they push the axles out they arent in the furthermost outward position allowing the axle to be inward enough to get the c clip off. Pry them out, while someone pushes the axles back in. Sounds like the splines (between the two) are bent or jammed up. while you pry have some tap the axle in with a hammer.
I tried prying on the gear while someone hits the end with a hammer. Still not enough. When everything is together it spins smooth and freely so I doubt anything is bent or jammed. The issues is the axle saver bearings you can actually see that the bearing(it’s is a sealed one price bearing/seal) is sticking out of the axle tube about 1/8 of an inch on the housing. When you push in on the axles the flared part of the shaft hits the bearing.
If you need to remove the caps and slide the shims out far enough from bearing races to allow the carrier to move, this should allow you to shift the carrier over enough to pull the c clips. Be sure to mark the caps and shims that they go back in where they came off from or you will be unhappy for a while.
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Gear swap trouble 
