Golf III L4-1984cc 2.0L SOHC (1993)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Service and Repair
Front Suspension
Removal and Installation
The struts can be easily removed for replacement or for access to other components. Special tools may be necessary to remove the top flange nut. Use a
stiff wire, or equivalent, to support the free-hanging lower control arm and avoid damage to the flexible brake lines. Use new self-locking flange nuts.
Also, the strut mountings affect wheel alignment. Any time the struts have been removed and reinstalled, a wheel alignment is highly recommended.
Fig. 2 Exploded View Of Strut Assembly
1.
Loosen the wheel lug bolts, then raise and support the car. The front wheels should be off the ground so that the suspension is not bearing any
weight.
2.
Remove the front wheel.
3.
First mark the position of the camber adjustment bolt then loosen and remove the nuts from the bolts that hold the bottom of the strut to the wheel
bearing housing, leaving the bolts in place. Remove the brake line from its guide at the bottom of the strut and secure it out of the way.
4.
Support the suspension and brake assembly so that it will not fall when the strut is removed.
5.
Using a hex wrench to hold the shock absorber rod, remove the flange nut and flange located in the engine compartment.
6.
Remove the bolts that hold the bottom of the strut to the wheel bearing housing, and remove the strut.
WARNING: Further disassembly of the strut requires special tools and great care to avoid serious personal injury. Do not proceed without
thoroughly reading the DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY procedure first.
7.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Use a new self-locking nut to secure the flange to the top of the shock absorber rod and torque the nut to:
44 ft.lb. (60 Nm).
8.
The bolts and nuts that hold the strut to the wheel bearing housing are one of two sizes.
Torque the nuts with 19mm head to:
59 ft.lb. (80 Nm).
Torque the nuts with 18mm head to:
70 ft.lb. (95 Nm).
