2009 VW Jetta TDI KW V3 Coilovers - ET Projects

Remove the wheels and pull the brake and ABS lines out of the retaining clip on the shock body. Then remove the two large bolts so the caliper can be taken off and moved aside - don't let it hang from its lines though!

Next up is the tie-rod. Since it will spin when you turn the bolt, you need to hold it with an Allen-head socket while breaking the bolt loose

The easiest way to remove the lower ball-joint from the lower A-arm is by removing these three bolts. Then remove the sway bar end-link from the shock body

Move up top and remove the three strut tower bolts. "By-the-book" asks that you remove the wipers and plastic trim, but we found it was possible to gently pull the trim back to get access to the bolts

Next up is the axle nut (AKA the "Jesus" nut). Go ahead and remove it and guide the axle out of the spindle. With everything loose, you can now guide the strut assembly out of the fender well and remove the pinch bolt to separate the strut assembly from the spindle

Since we're going to re-use the stock strut bearings, we needed to use a spring compressor (as shown) to remove it. The big center nut needs to be removed once the spring is compressed. Note, an air-impact gun will do the trick, or you can use the special socket you see here that allows you to hold the strut with an Allen-wrench so it won't spin while you remove the nut. Remove the upper strut bearing so it can be fitted to the KWs

The KWs come with a special insert that needs to placed inside the upper strut bearing. The upper strut bearing consists of two pieces, so don't forget to reuse both

Compress the KW spring and tighten the upper nut to secure the strut bearing to the KW strut. Then slide the KW assembly into the OEM spindle and secure the pinch bolt. Guide the top of the strut assembly into the well and tighten the three strut tower bolts in the reverse of removal