Volkswagen makes a special tool for spreading the housing and removing the strut but you can use a 3/8 to Â1/4 step down bit or a 7mm Allen to insert in the lower part of the housing and turn to spread it open (yellow arrow).
Full Answer
How do you remove the strut on a VW Golf?
Volkswagen makes a special tool for spreading the housing and removing the strut but you can use a 3/8 to Â1/4 step down bit or a 7mm Allen to insert in the lower part of the housing and turn to spread it open (yellow arrow).
When to know if your Volkswagen GTI MKV front struts need replacing?
The front struts, or sometimes called front shocks, dampen the ride of your Volkswagen GTI MkV and keep it rolling smoothly down the road. When they begin to wear, ride quality and vehicle handling suffers. If you notice that your vehicle is not smooth over bumps or feels soft when cornering, this could be an indicator of worn struts.
What are the front struts on a VW GTI called?
The front struts, or sometimes called front shocks, dampen the ride of your Volkswagen GTI MkV and keep it rolling smoothly down the road. When they begin to wear, ride quality and vehicle handling suffers.
How do I know if my struts need replacing?
If you notice that your vehicle is not smooth over bumps or feels soft when cornering, this could be an indicator of worn struts. To check your struts, push down on the front corner of your vehicle, (the side you want to inspect the strut on). When you give the front corner one good push down, it should bounce up, then slightly down and stop.
Can I change my struts myself?
These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours. You'll have to get an alignment done afterward (about $100), but you'll still save about $300 by doing the job yourself. You'll need rust penetrant, wrenches, a pin punch or large screwdriver, and a thin piece of plywood.
How do you remove the front shocks on a VW?
1:525:29How to Replace Shocks & Struts on a Volkswagen Jetta - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow tap down on the knuckle to remove it from the stroke. Remove the top three strut mount boltsMoreNow tap down on the knuckle to remove it from the stroke. Remove the top three strut mount bolts using a 13 millimeter and then you can just remove the strut assembly. Install the new assembly.
How long does it take to replace a pair of struts?
around one to two hoursTypically, it takes around one to two hours to change struts, according to most professional mechanics. Even if you decide to replace them on your own, the estimated time is the same as long as you have previous mechanical skills and follow the process correctly.
How do you remove and replace front struts?
Replace Your Struts in 10 StepsStep 1: Assess Your Struts. ... Step 2: Pick Up Replacement Parts. ... Step 3: Measure The Camber Angle. ... Step 4: Remove The End Link. ... Step 5: Remove The Nuts & Bolts. ... Step 6: Separate The Knuckle From The Strut. ... Step 7: remove The Mount Nuts. ... Step 8: Remove The Old Strut.More items...•
How do you remove front shock absorbers?
0:0014:29Front shock absorber replacement - Removal & Refitting step by stepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReplacement of the front shock absorbers under no meagan apply the handbrake and loosen a half turnMoreReplacement of the front shock absorbers under no meagan apply the handbrake and loosen a half turn the wheel bolts jack up the front and remove the wheel bolts remove the wheel remove the hose
What is a strut spreader?
Description. Audi/Volkswagen Strut Spreader is essential for those looking to remove or install suspension on their later model Audi/VW's. Audi/Volkswagen has designed their front struts to be 'clamped' into place so that even when the strut bolts are removed the strut remains tightly held in place.
Do you need an alignment after replacing struts?
To sum it up, here are the answers to the question—do you need an alignment after replacing shocks and struts? Yes, if the vehicle manufacturer recommends an alignment after replacement. Yes, if you did any suspension modifications that do not follow manufacturer recommendations.
Should you replace both front struts at the same time?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle), and it's even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
How do you check struts by hand?
0:383:08How to Check Shocks and Struts in Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPick up the top tuned on the strut. And feel inside on the rod. And if your fingers come out oilyMorePick up the top tuned on the strut. And feel inside on the rod. And if your fingers come out oily like this it means the seal is wearing out on the Strada.
Is it hard to change shocks and struts?
Shocks are pretty straightforward—you usually just have to disconnect the top and lower mount to be able to remove them. However, on certain cars, you may need to remove some paneling to gain access to the shocks.
How do I get my struts replaced?
0:4010:05How to Replace Struts in your Car or Truck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd here are all the tools you'll need this job is very simple and we're using all common hand toolsMoreAnd here are all the tools you'll need this job is very simple and we're using all common hand tools pry bars hammers screwdrivers ratchets. And wrenches torque wrench breaker bar.
How do you compress struts to install?
0:333:44Gas Strut Liftgate Compression Prior to Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut a couple twists in it just to secure it so that it doesn't slip out of position. After youMorePut a couple twists in it just to secure it so that it doesn't slip out of position. After you compress the strut with the pipe clamp then bring the a pair of baling wires.
How to tell if struts are worn?
If you notice that your vehicle is not smooth over bumps or feels soft when cornering, this could be an indicator of worn struts. To check your struts, push down on the front corner of your vehicle, (the side you want to inspect the strut on).
What are front shocks on a GTI?
The front struts, or sometimes called front shocks, dampen the ride of your Volkswagen GTI MkIV and keep it rolling smoothly down the road. When they begin to wear, ride quality and vehicle handling suffers. If you notice that your vehicle is not smooth over bumps or feels soft when cornering, this could be an indicator of worn struts.
Can you replace all four springs on a car?
You can also replace all four springs on your car with performance springs, giving it a slightly lower stance and stiffer handling. If you are planning on installing performance struts or springs make sure you install them in matching pairs.
Is Volkswagen micro single use?
All of the hardware (nuts and bolts) are single use only. Volkswagen micro encapsulates their hardware with a binding agent and even though lots of people clean up the threads, apply some blue Loctite and reuse the bolts, Pelican recommends you purchase all new hardware.
Do you need an impact wrench?
If you have a 13/16 spark plug socket with a squared off end simply place the spark plug socket (red arrow) down over the 21mm nut (13/16 and 21mm are the same size).