VW New Beetle - Front Strut Assembly Replacement

Changed the front struts and bushings in the beetle due to loud thumping while driving. The design is weird having a big rubber bushing that will overtime distort the shape from the weight of the car on it, causing a gap between the top hat of the strut to the strut tower. You can purchase the rubber bushing and bearing as a kit if that is all you wanted to change, which would save money, but I decided to also change the strut assembly also since the car already has 150K + miles. Hopefully this video helps you.

[frazzledgrey]

I did this Job 17 years ago! I'm watching this to refresh my memory! One thing I did, which Removed a considerable amount of Steps(!), Is to compress the Spring in the the Shock Tower! The Bottom of the Strut then easily Clears the Top of the Steering knuckle! ( Every time you dissemble something that isn't causing issues, you risk introducing dirt, and causing damage, thusly costing more money, and using up more time than the original repair plan would have used! D

[EverythingsRandomChoas]

One of the best car repair videos! It's like impossible finding videos for my bug to begin with let alone finding super helpful and good ones to see what's going on and what you need! Im ready to tackle this repair now.

[kibork]

Anyone watching this and getting concerned - they guy just wanted to try out his new press! Changed them on my car with no issues at all, half an hour per side: undo the sway bar, ball joint and tie rods - take old out, put new in, use a tiny car jack to lift the lower arm pushing the strut in place

[georgekrysac]

For me, an excellent video because the problem is well explained, "what" to do and importantly the "why" For example at 9:18 the "doughnut" compression being the root cause of thumping noise. Well done.

[edschaeffer]

This video deserves YouTube awards. Saved me $1700

[nicholasmcintyre]

1st of all. THANK YOU SO MUTCH for lowering the volume when something loud was happening. Every YouTuber needs to do this.

2nd verry good tutorial. Thanks for helping me get my girlfriends car back on the road.

[frazzledgrey]

My Compliment to you is: Nicely illustrated, Excellent Vocal description, Indicating needed Tools and Needed Sizes! You should have not needed to press in the new strut! Clean the inner Sleeve of the Steering knuckle apply a slight smear of oil, and the strut base will smoothly slide in! D

[sathir-]

Nice video. Of all the front strut changing videos out there you are the only one to show the top hat 9:13 at closeup. Thank you very much. Subscribed.

[billjenkins]

Very good video and explanations. Some critics just have to try to show how wise they are. Again, thanks for a very good video.

[Robsksas]

you dont need those specialized sockets. all you need is a 13/16 sparkplug socket. put the alen wrench through the top and turn it with a wrench,

[myparentsgarage]

Solid video and helped me alot, instead of using the specialty socket I just used a locking vise grip on the shock tube and the frame did the rest😂

[gpcirillo]

Good video. Beetle shape creates some weird access points.
Getting the strut out could be done without removing the knuckle if you use spring compressors to squeeze down the strut. Also, the pinch bolt seam can be pried open to let the strut/shock slide out and in.

[lauripalmujoki]

Exellent video, very good film quality and informative.

[daveschmidt]

A knuckle spreader makes this job much easier. No need to use a press to put the strut in and out of the knuckle. Also you top hat looks bent. Finally, like the guy below wrote and I commented, your first top strut nut goes on AFTER the big rubber top bushing/strut mount. Lastly, your clunking is from the rear bushing in the lower control arm, not from the gap at the top of the strut. Many many Mk4 VW's have that strut gap and don't clunk.

[grahamharris]

First class instructional video, extremely informative.

[MrSmakboy]

On the passenger side I didn't remove the drive shift but did take off the 3 bolts holding the knuckle to the, over control perfectly

[jakepollard]

I just did this job. Drivers side is only requires removing the sway bar end link and the spindle bolt. After that you can hammer the control arm away from the strut.It took me about 20 wacks with a household hammer. Everything went back in just as easy with a little anti seize lube. I used a jack to put the spindle back on the strut. You dont need to take apart all the stuff Rolando did. (45mins)

Passenger side is not as easy. The spindle will not clear just by hammering it. I used spring compressors on the springs while on the car. You need to get at least 3 coils to compress the spring as much as you need. Most compressors have bolts that are so long you have to have the tool end facing up making it difficult for you to put them on., just take your time with a small adjustable wrench. You will get the struts off doing this and some hammering. It's tough but you can do it. Use the spring compressors on the new struts (before you put them on your car). Again it will be tough to take them out but it will work. No taking off all the stuff Rolando did. (2 hours). YMMV. I am slow.

[trcoug]

Great video! This was very helpful for replacing my struts. Thanks a lot.

[RoamingEyes-uhcj]

Excellent video tutorial. Thank you for taking the time to put it up.

[yureugoku]

thumbs up for the 240sx on the back . loved your video thanks