[Vwdiesel] Damper,brake line, now STRUT !

[Mark Shepherd]

"You will need spring compressor"
Not a problem if you remove and install strut complete with
spring if you take one out of a 'scrapper'. [Or get a garage
to R&R the removed unit]
Front struts last a long time compared with rear ones in my
experience  (unless corroded like yours was) and although
mucky are often serviceable.
Interestingly I have to change all mine on my Quantum. My
parts vehicle has shockers/struts that make mine seem like
jelly[o]!! ;o)
Miser

. Don't try it without. Very dangerous.
Lower end of strut (ball joint) attaches to wheel bearing
housing by means of pinch bolt. Remove bolt & lever lower
control arm down. I use a big pole or pipe.
Separate tie rod end. This can be time consuming without the
propper tool. Remove nut on bottom of tie rod end & squirt
with penetrant. Heat VERY gently where tie rod end enters
taper. Place hammer on one side of steering arm & tap on
other side with other hammer. The idea being to shock the
taper & squish the taper upward. You don't need to beat on
it hard, just often, and it may take some time, but this
always works. Next, remone big nut where strut attachec to
tower & the whole strut comes out. Use spring compressor to
disassemble & reassemble in oposite order. Get new strut
bearing, rubber bumper, and dust cap. good luck.

Bob in NY

************

Well, turns out I have a broken (or nearly so) lower strut
spring cup.  I
don't know the proper term, but this is the lower roundish
metal cup that
hold the spring "up"......Mine's about 80% rusted out.....so
the spring is
pushing it apart, allowing the side of the "cup" to rub on
the tire, ever so
slightly.

Also, beacause everything is a wee bit more compressed on
that side, the
vibration dampener dooe-y was rubbing here and there.  I
took the cut-off
wheel to that sucker ! LOL!

Anyways, I stuck a muffler clamp just below the
rotted/rusted cup, in case
it completely lets go, but am wondering how hard it is to
replace a strut
myself?  Do I need any kind of spring compressors or special
tools or is it
straigh forward?

Mike in NB

Mike, Coreen & Corey Smith
699 Rte 616 Keswick Ridge
NB
Canada
E6L 1T1