A very common repair for all Rabbits, Golfs, Jettas and Sciroccos is replacing the front struts, springs and/or bearings.
"Discount" muffler shops advertise "New Struts for $149.95," but when you finally drive out the door, the bill is $800.00. If your car has any miles on it, particularly over 75,000 miles, you'll need more than strut inserts.
The inserts are listed for a low price but if you're charged $200.00 for springs and $187.00 for a top bearing, more for snubbers, etc. Your $149.00 strut job is now $657.00 or more. Your car's apart, what can you do! CALL US FIRST!
Step-by-Step Details for Beginners
A series of simple steps can help even beginners confidently replace their own struts:
- Loosen lug nuts before you raise the vehicle.
- Jack up the car and secure it on jack stands.
- Remove the wheel so you can access the strut assembly.
- Disconnect any brake lines or ABS sensor wires that are attached to the strut.
- Mark the camber settings on the strut before you unbolt it.
- Remove the lower strut bolts, then remove the upper mount bolts.
- Take out the old strut and install the new one in reverse order.
- Torque all bolts to factory specifications.
- Reinstall the wheel.
- Lower the car and check your alignment.
Signs of Worn-Out Struts
Do you need to replace struts?
Struts don’t fail overnight. Instead, they wear out gradually. If you’re paying attention, your car will give you the warning signs. For example, if you notice excessive bouncing over bumps, a rougher ride, or longer stopping distances, then your struts might be on their way out.
Another red flag is leaking hydraulic fluid around the strut. Clunking noises over uneven terrain or front-end nose-diving when braking hard are other signs of failing equipment. If any of these symptoms occur, you probably need to replace your struts.
Don't be Suckered In!
"Discount" muffler shops advertise "New Struts for $149.95," but when you finally drive out the door, the bill is $800.00. If your car has any miles on it, particularly over 75,000 miles, you'll need more than strut inserts.
The inserts are listed for a low price but if you're charged $200.00 for springs and $187.00 for a top bearing, more for snubbers, etc. Your $149.00 strut job is now $657.00 or more. Your car's apart, what can you do! CALL US FIRST!
You can buy these items by the piece, in sets or in assemblies. May we suggest assemblies?
If your steering is shimmying or shaking and giving you a hard time or your VW is rattling in the front- end or clunking, we've got the solution for you. First check your tire pressure, then change your front struts, they are easy to change, only four bolts per strut, maybe an hour or two tops.
Safety Precautions
Before you replace your own struts, you need to take some necessary safety steps. Make sure you’re parked on a level surface, and your parking brake is engaged. You can also prevent movement with wheel chocks. A quality jack and jack stands are absolutely essential. You never want to rely on a hydraulic jack alone.
You can protect your eyes and hands from debris and sharp edges by wearing safety glasses and gloves. Also, if you’re using spring compressors, carefully follow the instructions. Compressed springs store a good deal of energy, so improperly handling them can cause serious injury.
Complete Strut Assemblies
You have the option to replace individual strut components, but complete strut assemblies can really simplify the process. These parts include the actual strut, the spring, and the mount – all pre-assembled.
Using a strut assembly cuts down on installation time, and it eliminates the need for a spring compressor. Strut assemblies are particularly useful for DIY mechanics who are looking for a straightforward solution.
If you need a full assembly, you should check out our VW strut assemblies and parts.
Here's How to Do It:
Tools and Preparation
Like most any project, you’ll want to gather your tools before you get started. You’ll need:
- 17mm socket and box wrench
- 13mm box wrench
- Torque wrench
- Spring compressors (if you’re replacing inserts)
- Jack and jack stands
- Penetrating oil (useful for stubborn bolts)
Before you start the strut replacement, spray some penetrating oil on the strut bolts so removal is easier. Keep all of your tools within reach to speed up the job and prevent unnecessary delays.
All you need is a 17mm socket, 17mm box wrench and 13mm box wrench. That's all there is to it, no kidding. Loosen the nuts that hold the wheel on. Then raise the front end of the car so that you can get at the strut's bottom end. You'll also need to get at the top of the strut, so don't raise the car too high. Do not raise the car where the strut attaches to the lower control arm. Let the control arm fall to its fully relaxed position and then put a lock under it or wire it in position without compressing it. This will keep it from falling and stretching the brake line when the strut is removed. Take off the wheel.
On the bottom of the strut you'll find two 17mm bolts. The top bolt has an off-center attached washer (an eccentric washer) on it. This washer pushes against a shoulder on the strut to adjust the wheel's camber setting. So before you remove the bolts mark the washer and strut with a metal scribe, punches or white paint so you can match them up later.
Remove the nuts off the 17mm bolts first, then the washers and push through the bolts holding the strut to the control arm. Stick one bolt back through either hole. This will stop the control arm from falling when you take off the strut's top bolts. Now open the hood and remove the plastic cover on top of the strut by prying it off. You'll see two 13mm nuts and one large nut in the center (leave the large center nut alone). Take off the two 13mm nuts.
Pull out the lone bolt on the bottom holding the strut on and take the strut out. Carefully transfer the alignment mark you made on the old strut to the new one so the camber angles will be the same. Put the replacement strut in by aligning the two top bolts into the holes in the fender and put the nuts on. Torque the nuts. Twist and pull down the strut so that it aligns with the bottom holes. You may have to move the control arm for proper alignment. Put the 17mm bolts in (make sure the eccentric one is on top and that the washer is aligned with the mark you transferred from the old strut) then torque the nuts. Replace the brake line into the strut and replace your wheel. It's that simple and you're done.
If your tires show any abnormal wear (like on one side or the other) or you're putting new tires on, have the front end aligned (they'll automatically do this and charge you for it a shop even if you don't need it.)
Alignment Post-Replacement
Alignment is of utmost importance after you install new struts. Even if you carefully marked their original position, chances are your suspension geometry will slightly shift.
With a proper alignment, you prevent your tires from wearing unevenly. It also improves handling, and it helps you make sure your vehicle tracks straight.
Alignment is so important that many shops offer lifetime alignment packages. It’s worth considering if you plan to keep your car for years.
Cost Breakdown and Alternatives
The costs of strut replacement can vary. Taking a DIY approach can save money on labor, but it also requires the right tools. Individual strut inserts typically cost less, but full assemblies can really simplify the process.
How much does strut replacement cost? Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Strut inserts: $50-$150 each
- Complete strut assemblies: $150-$400 each
- Professional installation: $450-$1,000 per axle for parts and labor.
If you’re replacing all four struts, you can expect a higher bill. However, by shopping for quality parts upfront, you can prevent frequent replacements in the future.
General Maintenance Tips
You can extend the life of your struts by driving carefully. Avoid potholes and rough roads whenever possible. You can also regularly inspect your suspension components, and check for leaks or damage. If you rotate your tires and check your alignment each year, you can also prevent damage to your struts.
You can prevent stress on other parts like control arms and ball joints when you replace your struts on time. A smooth ride starts with a well-maintained suspension, so make sure you stay ahead of any smaller issues before they escalate to real problems.
Drive Smooth
When you replace your struts, you keep your ride safe, smooth, and responsive. Proper installation and alignment matter, whether you’re tackling the job yourself or weighing the costs of professional installation. You’ll stay ahead of wear with routine inspections and quality parts.
Looking for the right fit? Take a look at our VW strut assemblies and parts, and get started today.
WARNING: While our customers have found this information useful, these articles/links are not from technical publications. Information presented here is to give you a general idea of what to do and how to do it. Auto repair, while fun and economical, can be dangerous. There is no way we can warn you of each and every hazard. How can we tell you that when installing a hub cap, don’t smoke and have a bucket of gas nearby? If you have no common sense, ignore these articles. Otherwise, read the warnings in the front of the Robert Bentley manual before you proceeded to follow any advice given here.
