[Vwdiesel] What exactly holds the A2 front wheel hub in place? Just the ball joint, perplexed on this one.

[Bryan Belman]

Just wondering is someone could shed some light on the front wheel setup on A2 Jetta

I got my new Left Front wheel bearing pressed into the wheel hub yesterday by a local shop, $20.
After putting it back in place last night I am wondering what exactly is doing all of the work.
It would appear that only the 3 small bolts that hold the lower ball joint to the control arm keep the entire wheel from moving on the bottom.
At the top, the wheel hub bolts to the bottom of the strut with 2 big 19mm bolts, but this is FREE floating, up down left right, all around.
I replaced the strut but the one in there was ok, but I had it new.  Most importantly I replaced the upper big rubber strut bushing that has the bearing that allows the strut to turn left and right.  The one I removed fell apart and the little balls were all over the place.

So, the only thing I see holding the front wheel to the car is these 3 small bolts that hold the lower ball joint in place.  They torque to only 18 ft-lbs to the triangular plate that sits on top of the control arm.

That just does not seem like enough for the forces that are put on the front wheels????????????? 

What am I missing here?  Anyone.

Thanks

 Bryan Belman, Pt. Pleasant, NJ
04 Jetta Wagon TDI PD, 100hp, 5sp -- running :)
92 Jetta 1.6 Eco-Turbo Diesel -- running :)
82 Diesel Westy 1.9NA -- Not running :(
70 Type 1 stock Beetle -- Not running :(