hey guys im going to be doing the Axle shafts on my 96 a4 2.8 5sp fwd and i wanted to get a heads up on if im going to need some crazy **** tool i dont got or not haha lol so the if some one can give me a heads up on this befor i rip into it haha

 

You're going to need Allen head bits for the end axle bolt (should be a 17mm), as well as the triple-square (12 point) bits for the bolts that attach the axle to the diff. Do NOT try and use six point Torx bits - you'll tear the heads out. Order the 12 point bits through German Auto Parts if your local stores don't have them (I think my NAPA has them but AutoZone and the like did not). Other than that, basic tools. Also, you do NOT have to remove the pinch bolt that connects the top of the spindle to the upper control arms, despite what the DIY procedures say. You can get it out while leaving that intact. Trust me, that's a good thing.

 

oo ok bad *** man thx do you know what size the 12 point bit is

 

If I remember right, you'll need an 8mm. The set I got at German was a four-piece, with 6, 8, 10, and 12mm and was under $15. Likewise, the set of Allen bits I got at AutoZone included 12, 14, and 17mm, which was great because the fronts were 17mm and the rears are 14mm, so the set (which was $10) covers both ends of the car. If you don't have one already, get a torque wrench - a ratcheting adjustable, not the dial-deflection type. I have a 1/2" drive wrench that measures to 150 ft-lbs (enough for basically anything on the car). The front axle bolt torque is insane - 140 ft-lbs, plus a 180 degree turn. I use my 18" breaker bar for that, I am 6' 3" and 242 lbs, and it takes me a LOT of force to get that half-turn on there. Make sure to buy two new axle bolts when you order your CV rebuild kits (get those rather than the Empi replacement axles - lots of trouble with those lately - search out my recent posts on my profile page for more info). You don't want to put that kind of force on a bolt repeatedly. Oh, and to torque the 12-point bits, a torque wrench big enough for the torque required on those axle bolts will be too big to use under the car on the axle-diff (12 point) bolts. I use a 3/8" drive small torque wrench for those.

 

o well i think my triple-square (12 point) is a 10 on my car i got a 8mm but its too lil !! oddd !!! !!!!!!