Shaft sleeve

Hi,

While looking in the engine compartment, I noticed a torn axle seal. It probably got chewed on by rodents. It is on the left (in the direction of travel), at the gearbox, not on the wheel side.
It's just a small crack, and nothing is coming out, like grease or anything.

I should probably exchange this soon, or is it not a big deal?

Is it difficult to replace that? Can I do it myself, or is a workshop appointment needed?
It is an A4 Avant TDI AFN (81kW), manufactured in 1996.

Thank you for every tip.

Best regards
mortl

mortl wrote:

Damaged axis seal

Hi Mortl,

Which one are you referring to? The boot of the axle or the boot of the drive shaft? For the boots on the drive shaft, I have used bicycle patches before (-> only for small holes), and it works really well. Regarding the axle bearing (I'm not sure how it's done with an A4, though), I would recommend replacing it completely for safety reasons.

Hi,

it is the sleeve on the drive shaft, located at the front-left side of the gearbox (not the wheel side). The tear is located at the very end (of the cuff), just before where the (smaller) retaining ring on the drive shaft is attached to the cuff.
He is just big enough that I can put my finger in.
Right under the crack is the drive shaft, and there's no grease there. That's why nothing comes out when driving. If you press your finger all the way to the joint, there will still be fat.
D.h. ein Fahrradflicken würde ausreichen, wenn ich ihn so anbringe, dass er die Rissstelle verschließt, oder?

Just a silly question:
As far as I know, the 'shaft sleeves' are always on the driveshafts: one on the wheel side and one on the gearbox side (on each side...). Where/What are the sleeves for the axle?

Best regards
mortl

mortl wrote:

As far as I know, the "shaft sleeves" are always on the driveshafts: one on the wheel side, and one on the gearbox side (on each side...). Where/What are the sleeves for the axle?

Hi Mortl,

that is a matter of definition . In the model-building manuals, what is referred to as "axle bush" is what you mean by IMO.

The axle joint connects the axle carrier and the strut. The axle joint is a grease-filled ball joint, which is surrounded by a protective sleeve. Cracks in this area should not be ignored . This is not as critical for the drive shaft. However, dirt and water will eventually destroy the universal joint. If you are sure that no dirt has entered, simply replace the sleeve. But that's a bit of work.