Suspension Strut

Suspension Strut

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Spreader (3424)

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Engine/transmission jack (V.A.G 1383 A)

• Mount (T10149)

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1331)

Removing

- Loosen drive axle bolt to wheel hub. Refer to => [ Drive Axle Twelve-Point Bolt, Loosening and Tightening ] Procedures.

- Remove wheel.

- Remove the level control system sensor from the control arm.

- Remove the nut - arrow - of the connecting link from suspension strut.





- Remove nuts - arrows -.





- Pull wheel bearing housing with ball joint out of control arm.

- Pull outer joint of drive axle out of wheel hub.

- Secure drive axle to body using wire.

• The drive axle must not hang down, otherwise the inner joint will be damaged by overflexing.

- Bolt ball joint to control arm again.

- Fasten (V.A.G 1383 A) using (T10149) to wheel hub with a wheel bolt.





- Disconnect the connector and remove the wire from the suspension strut.





- Disconnect threaded connection of wheel bearing housing/suspension strut - arrow -.





- Insert (3424) into slot of wheel bearing housing.





- Using a ratchet and the (3424), open the wheel bearing housing slot.

- Press brake disc in direction of suspension strut by hand.

Otherwise strut tube may be canted in hole of wheel bearing housing.

- Pull off wheel bearing housing downward from strut tube and lower using (V.A.G 1383 A) as far until strut tube hangs freely.

- Tightly tie wheel bearing housing to console/subframe using binding wire.

- Remove (V.A.G 1383 A) from below wheel bearing housing.

- Remove wiper arms.

- Remove plenum chamber cover.

- Remove the bolts for the upper strut mount and remove suspension strut.





Installing

- Secure (V.A.G 1383 A) with (T10149) to wheel hub using a wheel bolt.





- Attach suspension strut to wheel bearing housing and secure suspension strut using socket head bolt and new nut.

Socket head bolt tip must point in direction of travel.

- Remove (3424).

One of two markings - arrows - on spring plate must point in direction of travel.





Left Suspension Strut





The suspension strut must be installed so that the left front dampening adjustment valve faces opposite the drive direction.

Right Suspension Strut





The suspension strut must be installed so that the right front dampening adjustment valve faces opposite the drive direction.

Continuation for Both Sides

- Check the installation position of the front left and right body acceleration sensor retainer.





• Use an dia. 11 mm drill - 1 - and the (VW 222 A) to check the installation position.

• The holes in the retainer must align with the holes in the shock absorber dome.

- Remove wire on wheel bearing housing.

- Carefully lift the wheel bearing housing with the transmission jack enough so that the suspension strut/strut tower bolts can be installed.





If necessary, use ladder, e.g. step ladder (VAS 5085) to install bolts.

- Tighten the hex bolts for the upper strut mount.

- Remove (T10149).

- Tighten threaded connection of wheel bearing housing/suspension strut - arrow -.





- Remove nuts - arrows -.





- Insert drive axle into wheel hub.

- Insert wheel bearing housing with ball joint into control arm.

- Bolt ball joint to control arm - arrows -.

• Make sure that the ball joint boot is not damaged or twisted.

- Connect the level control system sensor to the control arm.

• The level control system sensor lever must point toward vehicle exterior.

• The thread on the vehicle level sensor must be installed into the front hole in the control arm. The tab on the vehicle level sensor retainer must lock into the rear hole in order to assure a correct installation position.

- Connect the connector to the left and right front dampening adjustment valve.

- Tighten drive axle bolt to wheel hub. Refer to => [ Drive Axle Twelve-Point Bolt, Loosening and Tightening ] Procedures.

• Vehicle must not be standing on its wheels when doing this, otherwise wheel bearing will be damaged.

- Installing plenum chamber cover.

- Install wiper arms.

Further installation is in the reverse sequence to removal.

- Install wheel and tighten. Refer to => [ Tightening Specification for Mounting Wheels ] Tightening Specification For Mounting Wheels.

Tightening Specifications