Front oil spring - removal and refitting

Suspension and steering / Front oil spring - removal and refitting

Warning: Before attempting to dismantle the suspension strut, a suitable tool to hold the coil spring in compression must be obtained. Adjustable coil spring compressors are readily available, and are recommended for this operation. Any attempt to dismantle the strut without such a tool is likely to result in damage or personal injuy.

Note: A special slotted socket is required to remove and refit the upper spring seat retaining nut; alternatives to the VW tool are available from specialist automotive tool manufacturers (eg. Sykes Pickavant) (see Tool Tip).

Removal
1 Remove the front suspension strut as described in Section 2.

2 Using a spring compression tool compress the coil spring until it is clear of the upper retainer.

3 Using the special slotted socket, unscrew the slotted nut from the shock absorber rod and withdraw the spring retainer, washer, bump stop, boot, and coil spring (see illustration). If a special tool to engage the slotted nut is not available, use a pair of grips.

3.3 Exploded view of front suspension strut

4 Remove the compressor tool.

Refitting
5 Refitting is a reversal of removal with reference to Section 2 when refitting the strut.

Tighten the slotted nut to the specified torque.