How to Replace Front Struts 96-98 Volkswagen Jetta
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Volkswagen Jetta
Replace the front struts on a 1996-1998 Volkswagen Jetta.
Tools you will need
- 20mm socket
- Pry bar
- Jack stands
- 10mm wrench
- 7mm hex wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Ratchet
- Floor jack
- 14mm wrench
- Torque wrench
- Rust penetrant
- 18mm wrench
- 18mm socket
- 21mm socket
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front strut
Steps
- Remove the top of the strut
Pop and secure the hood, soak the top 21mm nut in penetrating oil, then hold the bolt with a 7mm Allen wrench while removing the nut with a 21mm socket.
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts, raise and support the car, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.
- Remove the bottom of the strut
Soak the bottom 18mm strut bolts in penetrant and break them loose with a breaker bar, remove the ABS bracket with a 10mm socket, then pull the strut down and out.
- Install the new strut
Bolt it back in, torquing the 14mm bolts to about 35-45 ft-lb, insert the spindle into the strut's lower end and raise the control arm until the bolt holes line up, torque the bottom 18mm nut to about 85 ft-lb, then refit the ABS bracket with the 10mm socket.
- Reinstall the wheel
Put the wheel on and hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, then torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a star pattern.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.