georgeb944

I used a laser beam to align the center bearing on my quattro when I had to replace the driveshaft. It has been vibration free since the install a couple of years ago.

tanya_charbury

Wow, George, that's an intriguing approach. Would you please elaborate? Thank you!

~Tanya

georgeb944

I had to replace the driveshaft due to a torn rubber support on the center bearing. I used one similar to the BLACK+DECKER BDL220S Laser Level which can be found cheaply at several vendors. The primary purpose was to cast a straight line from the center of the front CV joint to the center of the rear CV joint. Once that was accomplished, lining up the center bearing (left to right) was easy. The up and down alignment was mostly a guess, but the range is controlled by a couple of thick washers, so less chance for error.

I was never going to buy a special tool for a one time use, so this worked out perfectly, with a tool that I already owned.

tanya_charbury

Wow, I love it. Thank you :-)

~Tanya

BernieBenz

George, I've not used one of these lazer levels so would appreciate a further detailed explanation of your process.
Thanks, Bernie

georgeb944

Not much else to say, except that the laser lever throws out a straight laser line that can be lined up with the two CV joints. Then, when the center bearing carrier is also lined up (with the laser line in the center), the driveshaft is straight. That is the intent of the special tool that Audi charges way too much for, and is accomplished by other means. I was able to position the laser level on the ground, and cast the laser line up from below (I used jackstands in the process... I don't have a lift.)

BertDog

Sorry to bring this old thread back... but does the 3393 Front Subframe Alignment Tool actually work with an A6 C5? The links at ECS Tuning say it is not compatible. But here in this thread it appears you are successfully using the VAG tool 3393 with an A6 C5. True?

tanya_charbury

It's been a few years but as I recall, yes. If memory serves, I consider it an essential tool but then again my focus has been on the V8 models only, so I can speak only to that. Maybe focus on snapon.com not ECS for this ...vwaudi@snapon.com or call 1-800-892-9650.

VW Tool And Equipment
2801 80th Street
Kenosha, WI 53143
1-800-892-9650

Good luck!

KMTSME

I saw that tool, it has staggered sizes/shoulders, right? I checked my 2000 A6 C5 Quattro Tip when I did the D drum... the three stacked/alignment holes are all the same dia., I think. In any case, I decided not to buy that tool, and ended up using a deep socket, 20 mm dia, as I recall.

tanya_charbury

I honestly don't remember anymore. I'm sorry ... I suppose you could Google VAG tool 3393 and go see what it looks like. :-)