Suspension Strut: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Loosen drive axle bolt on the wheel hub. Refer to THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

CAUTION:

The wheel bearing must not be under a load while the drive axle threaded connection on the wheel side is loose.

If the wheel bearings are under the load of the vehicle weight, the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings.

The drive axle bolt may be loosened maximum 90° when the vehicle is standing on its wheels.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If a vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:

Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.
Tighten the outer joint to 120 Nm.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheel.

-- Remove the nut -arrow- and coupling rod -1- from the suspension strut.

Fig 1: Identifying Coupling Rod And Nut

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-- Disengage the wire for the ABS speed sensor from the suspension strut.

-- Remove the nuts -arrows-.

-- Remove both the wheel bearing housing and ball joint from the control arm.

-- Remove the drive axle outer joint from the wheel hub.

Fig 2: Identifying Nuts -Arrows- On Left And Right Side Of Vehicle, Removal

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If the Drive Axle Cannot be Pulled Out of the Wheel Bearing, Then It Can Be Pushed Out of the Wheel Bearing Using the Remover T10520.

Before using the Remover T10520 pay attention that the thrust piece -1- is installed.

Fig 3: Locating Thrust Piece

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Using the Remover T10520:

Fig 4: Identifying Remover T10520

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-- Secure the Remover 10520 -1- with three wheel bolts -2- on the wheel hub, so that the drive axle -3- can be pressed out.

-- Follow the specified sequence.

Fig 5: Identifying Tightening Sequence

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I - Tighten the knurled nut -1- hand-tight.

II - Turn only the bolt -2- with a wrench and press out the driveshaft with the Remover T10520.

NOTE:

At the end of the tasks or to set back, the spindles must be brought back into the original position so that the hydraulic operation can be used.

-- Secure drive axle to body using wire.

CAUTION:

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

-- Bolt ball joint to control arm again.

-- Fasten Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A using wheel hub support Engine/Gearbox Jack Adapter - Wheel Hub Support T10149 to wheel hub with a wheel bolt.

Fig 6: Identifying Dimension Between Wheel Hub Center And Lower Edge Of Wheel Housing

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WARNING:

Do not lift or lower vehicle when the Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A stands below the vehicle. Vehicle could slip off lift.
Do not leave Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A below vehicle any longer than necessary.

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

Fig 7: Identifying Threaded Connection Of Wheel Bearing Housing/Suspension Strut

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-- Insert Spreader Tool 3424 into slot of wheel bearing housing.

Fig 8: Identifying 3424 Into Slot Of Wheel Bearing Housing

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-- Turn the ratchet 90° and remove it from the Spreader Tool 3424.

-- Press the brake rotor toward the suspension strut.

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

-- Pull off wheel bearing housing downward from shock absorber tube and lower using Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A as far until shock absorber tube hangs freely.

-- Tie the wheel bearing housing to the subframe.

-- Remove Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A from below wheel bearing housing.

WARNING:

Do not leave Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A below vehicle any longer than necessary.

-- Remove the plenum chamber cover. Refer to Removal and Installation .

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

Fig 9: Identifying Upper Strut Mount Bolts

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