[Vwdiesel] Struts and Bearings and alignments

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

> On my next strut job, I think I'm going to try taking the casting with the
>  wheel bearing off the ball joint.  This requires that the brake caliper
>  be pulled, and that casting be pulled from the lower ball joint.
>  Additionally, the tierod and the drive shaft need to removed.  But the
>  advantage would be that the alignment would not need to be redone.
>  That could be a good thing, especially if the alignment is already fine.
>  If anyone uses or can comment on this alternate technique, I'd appreciate
>  it.

  I don't fully tend to agree with this but I've been told several different
times
that if you so much as loosen the axle nut you can mess with the alignment.
Personally I'd much rather mark and pull the two bolts than pull the whole
assembly, unless you need to do a wheel bearing at the same time.
  I've always had no problem with the insert retaining nut.  I clamp the
housing in a bench mounted vise then use a 24" pipe wrench.  Nearly
always comes off with the first or second grunt.  :)
     Loren