Genuine Volkswagen Cabrio Steering Knuckle

Volkswagen Cabrio Steering Knuckle Parts and Q&A

• Knuckle
  357-407-255-C
  Q: What are the steps required for the installation of a new driveaxle nut, suspension strut-to-steering knuckle bolt nuts, and tie-rod end nut on Volkswagen Cabrio?

  A:

  A new driveaxle nut, new suspension strut-to-steering knuckle bolt nuts, and a new tie-rod end nut will be required on installation. Begin by removing the wheel trim or hub cap and loosening the driveaxle retaining nut while the vehicle is resting on its wheels, along with loosening the wheel bolts. Chock the rear wheels, apply the parking brake, jack up the front of the car, and support it on axle stands. Remove the front wheel, then take off the driveaxle retaining nut and its washer if installed. For models with ABS, remove the wheel sensor. If the hub bearings are to be disturbed, remove the brake disc; otherwise, for VW calipers, remove the brake pads, or for Girling calipers, unscrew the two bolts securing the brake caliper assembly to the hub and slide it off the disc, tying the caliper to the front suspension coil spring to avoid strain on the hydraulic brake hose. Loosen and remove the nut securing the steering gear tie-rod end to the steering knuckle, and release the balljoint tapered shank using a universal balljoint separator, leaving the nut on to protect the balljoint threads. Mark the installed position of the balljoint on the suspension Control Arm, unscrew the balljoint retaining bolts, and remove the retaining plate from the top of the control arm. On most models, the balljoint inner retaining bolt hole is slotted, allowing the inner retaining bolt to be loosened while keeping the retaining plate and bolt in position in the arm, enabling disengagement of the balljoint from the bolt. Mark the positions of each suspension strut-to-steering knuckle bolt, loosen and remove both nuts and bolts, then free the steering knuckle from the strut and carefully pull the hub assembly outwards, withdrawing the driveaxle outer constant velocity joint from the hub assembly. The outer joint may be tight, requiring a soft-faced mallet to tap it out or a puller if necessary. All self-locking nuts disturbed during removal must be replaced, including the driveaxle retaining nut, tie-rod end nut, and suspension strut-to-steering knuckle bolt nuts. Ensure the outer joint and hub splines are clean and dry, removing any sealant from models with Plus suspension and applying a bead of sealant to the outer joint splines. Maneuver the hub assembly into position, engaging it with the driveaxle outer joint, ensuring the threads are clean and applying a smear of oil to the contact face of the new driveaxle retaining nut. Install the washer and nut, using the nut to draw the joint fully into position. Engage the steering knuckle with the suspension strut while aligning the balljoint with the control arm, then insert the strut-to-steering knuckle bolts and install the new retaining nuts, aligning the bolts with the marks made prior to removal and tightening them to the specified torque setting. Install the control arm balljoint retaining bolts, aligning the balljoint with the marks made prior to removal, and tighten the retaining bolts to the specified torque. Engage the tie-rod end in the steering knuckle, install a new retaining nut, and tighten it to the specified torque. If necessary, install the brake disc to the hub, then for VW brake calipers, install the brake pads, or for Girling calipers, slide the caliper assembly into position over the disc, install the mounting bolts, and tighten them to the specified torque. If applicable, install the ABS wheel sensor. Ensure the outer joint is fully drawn into position, then install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground. Finally, tighten the driveaxle retaining nut and the wheel bolts to the specified torque, and it is advisable to have the camber angle checked and adjusted if necessary.