Author Topic: Front Struts (Read 3180 times)

Smokey Eddy · « **on:** January 29, 2009, 04:50:12 am »

[1990 jetta]

OK
I've had these coil overs in my garage for over a year now probably and they're starting to drive me crazy.

I replaced the rear springs with the coil overs no prob, easy stuff.

I took the nuts off the top of the front struts with an impact gun and then took the struts completely off the car after a lot of swearing and fussing with spring compressors.

The strut doesn't want to come apart :? IT seems to have some weird nut of sorts down the shaft at the top holding it all together and stopping the spring from being able to be removed.

I DID a searchzor and i found something about "inserts" ? ... not sure what that was about.

Anyone with some insight i'd love to hear it. I really want to finish lowering my car and to stop driving around looking like i have 10 bodies in the trunk.

So, in short... How do you replace the springs on front struts.

clbanman · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2009, 05:39:49 am »

Compress your springs to get the load off that nut. I used a socket (can't remember what size) that best fit the I.D./O.D. of the nut and used a grinder to remove material on both sides to leave two tabs to fit in the slots. I have also removed them using a drift punch and hammer, lightly tapping in the proper direction. The key is getting the spring load off the nut.

the caveman · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2009, 09:23:55 am »

There is a tool available, and not just from snap-on or VW. There are enough VW's out there that a good auto parts place can find and or order one for you.Or do what clbanman said and use a deep socket, and grind down the outside edged untill the 2 tabs left fit into the slots. Get the tension off the bearing and turn them by hand.

commuter boy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2009, 02:27:09 pm »

I have both of the VW strut tools if you need to borrow them.

http://www.germanautoparts.com/Tools/Volkswagen/Suspension+tools

Slotted strut nut tool & the Upper strut nut socket, 21/22mm

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2009, 03:08:01 am »

Quote from: "commuter boy"

I have both of the VW strut tools if you need to borrow them.

http://www.germanautoparts.com/Tools/Volkswagen/Suspension+tools

Slotted strut nut tool & the Upper strut nut socket, 21/22mm

No way! PM SENT!