VW Jetta or Golf Front Struts Replacement Using A Home Made Knuckle and Strut Separator Tool

Similar to what you know as the 2x4 method for removing or separating your front strut or shock off the knuckle on most of your VW cars, my version of doing this is very similar, except mine is a metal tool and not the unsafe wood that everyone is using on the internet.
As this method requires wedging and compressing the spring and strut to separate the strut from the knuckle, it is for sure very dangerous if it is not done or executed right. So very extra careful!
This technique is a similar or can be applied to most VW vehicle out there.
Disclaimer: Please note that all DIY videos are for basic information purposes only. JNB Tuning is not liable for any damages incurred when attempting to follow the information being share in the video above.

[@keving4081]

Wow! I wish I had discovered this last month. I would secure the base of the tool from possibly kicking out. I have replaced many VW struts this new design is a big step backward. For the first time ever I had some odd noises when finished. I went back in and greased the mount-to-body contact and that was the cure. Thanks for this new approach.

[@JNBTuning]

You are welcome 🙏

[@lukakovac9817]

thanks for the video , my spring just broke on the passenger side ill be needing to replace both struts , ive watched a few videos and your makes it look the easiest

[@JNBTuning]

Your welcome! Glad my video helps. Best regards.

[@johnchambers12]

It is so funny i am watching this today. In the last 4 days my front driver side spring broke on my 2013 vw bug and i replaced the struts and sway bar links, my struggles were the 3 strut mount bolts at the top of the strut that were rusted solid i had to drill them out , I didn’t have the seperator tool but i used my pickle fork

[@lionelscott5839]

The reason the spring broke is in my opinion improperly heat treatments over heating the metal before it is quenched. This can be proved by looking at the break point, if the grains of the metal are big and not fine , this indicates an overheating.

[@JNBTuning]

Thanks for insightful info!

[@cleanmazda2345]

Thanks for the video. I guess if you took out the three screws in the engine bay after having knocked down the knuckle, you would not need to used your steel bar for supporting your strut.

[@JNBTuning]

You are welcome!

[@jondor654]

Nice improvement on the tool

[@JNBTuning]

Yes, 🙏 thank you. Safer than the wood!

[@SpikesMavic]

Great vid, thank you. my shock would not come ourt far enough to clear the housing, the drive shaft knuckle joints were at there limit of movement, amd going to make a tool like you have made, what was the full length of it ?.

[@JNBTuning]

My apologies for the super late response. I kept the tool somewhere in the shop and can’t remember where it was till now. It is about 2 feet long.

[@timmycarter5617]

How long is that tool that you used?

[@JNBTuning]

It is about 2 feet long

[@JNBTuning]

Since I have getting multiple as about this tool I created this short especially for you guys: How long is JNB Tuning’s Strut to Knuckle separator tool? #StrutToKnuckleSeparatorTool kzbin.infoV5adxqIigYY?feature=share

[@jondor654]

Just curious. Was the left hand strut more easily controlled. ie safer than the right hand side. The right side gave me a little difficulty because of the 180 rotation

[@JNBTuning]

Most definitely! There’s difference between the sides and I also did find the left or driver side is a lot easier.

[@davidpetkau2563]

thanks for the video. what happened just after the 22 min mark??

[@JNBTuning]

Right after the 22min mark, the strut dropped into the knuckle just fine. I shouldn’t have added a smooth/blending transition, instead a hard cut so you could seen exactly what happened.

[@davidpetkau2563]

@@JNBTuning thanks. This video helps me very much. I have to do this on my 2016 Jetta this week

[@karoltofik8873]

What brand „quick struts” did you use? I need to replace struts on my 2013 GTI and I am deciding between loaded struts or OEM strut\spring\mount parts that need to be assembled.

[@JNBTuning]

I got a set of NAPA aftermarket parts. They are not as good as the VW OEs but not bad.

[@hardcore4476]

How are the Napa struts and shocks doing?

[@JNBTuning]

They are not too bad, but a little softer than my liking. I prefer the OE ride quality. They also make slight noise when compressed.

[@kevinodonnell2645]

Use a chisel

[@donshade]

Dude.😉

[@superchill27]

That’s dangerous!!

[@JNBTuning]

It is a quick way but sure is a bit dangerous if not executed right. Hence the use of a metal vs. what others uses 2x2 wood

[@Francisco7791]

Yikes... some kid. is going to try this method in his garage and cause a lot of damage and end up paying way more than $100 bucks for an alignment. take the time and remove, clean, inspect and lubricate the components. save yourself trouble down the road.

[@JuniorJocker28]

hes not trying to do an alignment 😂 pay attention

[@freeconsgaming8936]

Sorry, not trying to be critical, but the uh and um's threw me off, had to go

[@0871300233]

Done my golf yesterday /nearly gave up but got it done took 4 hours for one side/putting shock back on is difficult no control over shock with just a piece of wood

[@JNBTuning]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yourpertydumb]

11:50 if it doesnt free up disconect brake line and abs and use a torch. I had to