Replaced all four struts and shocks on my VW Mk5 (although my youngest has claimed it for herself).
Rears were no issue-and they were both leaking bad.
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While replacing the fronts I noticed all four cv boots had split so they also had to go. Since I had no idea how long they were leaking I picked up new axles.
But not so simple! I fought the axles and they fought back! Passenger side went smooth and was done in under an hour. Drivers side inner cv wouldn't release no matter what I tried. Spend three hours and pulled out every prybar I had until I tapped out. So I searched YouTube for creative solutions and came across the vise grip slide hammer trick.
Can't post external links but search for TobyjTWUVMw and you will see my inspiration via Youtube.
For less than $8 at Princess Auto for a ready rod that threaded into the adjuster end of the vise grips I made one up. Clamped on and two taps and 10 seconds later it was out!
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Just as I was about to claim victory over German engineering I got a text from my wife who was in Jasper with her mom in the E550.
Seems that the dreaded red battery warning light reared it's ugly head. She made it back to Calgary safely but just as one Germanic hill was climbed I was faced with another. Unfortunately I only saw the first line of her text-
in Jasper.
So I didn't see the rest of the text-
Battery light came on??Is this a concern!? Guess I was too POd to fully read a text that I thought was how much fun she was having in the mountains.
Well I drove it with no issues the next day but on my way home I too was staring at an angry red warning battery. Hmmm. Re-read the full text and my heart sank. I guess that it did sound louder than normal.
Growling alternator removal on the forecast!
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Will probably look into a local rebuild rather than a replacement (most I see are rebuilt anyway).
The Rabbit needs a proper wheel alignment so we are kind of down to one car (the Wrangler) but the Rabbit did get me to the liquor store for tonight.
I am keeping that damn inner cv joint as a constant reminder that if all else fails and sh*t aint working that I should stop, grab a cold one and spend time online researching my issue.