Disassembling and Assembling Front Suspension Strut
In the assembled strut, the coil spring is under some compression, even when the strut is removed from the car. Attempting to disassemble the strut without first compressing the spring is extremely dangerous. Read the procedure carefully. Do not attempt to disassemble the struts without a proper spring compressor.
To disassemble front strut:
| 1. | Install a spring compressor that is designed for the purpose. Relieve the pressure on the upper spring retainer by compressing the coil spring, as shown in Fig. 5-3. |
WARNING-
Work slowly. Keep watch to make sure the spring compressor stays firmly in place on the spring.
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| 2. | Remove the slotted nut on the shock absorber rod, using Volkswagen special tool no. VW 524 or equivalent. Use a hex wrench to hold the shock absorber shaft. |
WARNING-
Do not remove the slotted nut from the shock absorber rod until the coil spring is compressed enough that there is no force pushing on the upper spring retainer.
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| 3. | Slide the strut bearing, the upper spring retainer, the washer, the rubber bump stop, and the splash shield off the shock absorber rod. |
| 4. | Carefully release and remove the spring compressor. Remove the coil spring. |
| Fig. 5-3. | Spring compressor being used to safely disassemble front suspension strut. On compressor shown (Volkswagen special tool no. VW 340), turn nuts (arrows) on threaded shafts to compress spring. |
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Assembly is the reverse of disassembly. First, check the strut bearing for signs of wear and replace it if it does not turn smoothly. Fully extend the shock absorber rod by hand. With the spring compressed and no pressure on the upper spring retainer, torque the slotted nut to 40 Nm (30 ft. lb.). Align the ends of the coil spring to mate properly with the spring retainers. If the coil springs are to be replaced, note the paint color code on the coils and always replace springs in matched pairs.
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