Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front

1. Loosen lug nuts, remove hub/axle shaft nut or bolt, then remove washer.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel.
3. Remove brake caliper bolts, then the brake caliper.
4. Remove brake disc and brake hose bracket. Do not disconnect hydraulic brake lines. Fasten caliper to body with wire.
5. Remove ball joint to wheel bearing housing mounting bolt.
6. Press off tie rod end.
7. Remove link rod nut, then pry down on control arm to remove ball joint from wheel bearing housing. Have a helper move steering wheel alternately from left to right while removing ball joint.
8. Using tool V.A.G 1389 or equivalent, press and remove axle shaft out of hub. Always use a puller, never apply heat to wheel bearing housing.
9. Remove strut cover plate.
10. Support suspension strut from below.
11. Loosen nut from top of strut while holding piston rod using an internal socket wrench.
12. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Splines on axle shaft and wheel hub must be free of oil, grease, and old locking compound.
b. On models with attached wheel bearing housing, apply bead of suitable locking compound approximately 1/4 inch wide around splines, then install stub axle. Let locking compound harden for at least one hour.
c. Tighten strut nut to specification, while holding piston rod.
d. Tighten nuts and bolts to specifications.