TorqFix

Repairing front suspension strut: VW (CLPA, CLSA)

Step-by-step repairing front suspension strut for the VW (CLPA/CLSA): 12 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.

Workshop procedure for VW — the exact step sequence and torque figures, straight from real workshop data.

12 steps 2 engine codes engine codes merged from 7 documented variants

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 601, 602, 612, 641, 642, 643, 604, 644, 614, 603

Don't miss

  • First compress spring far enough to ensure that upper spring plate is free. — Ensure that coil spring is correctly seated in spring retainerV.A.G 1752/7(arrow).
  • Install spacer between deep groove ball thrust bearing and spring seat. Make sure it is seated correctly.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

CLPACLSA

📋 Procedure

  1. Remove coil spring strut .
  2. Tension coil spring using suspension strut tensionerV.A.G 1752 until upper deep groove ball thrust bearing is free.
  3. Unscrew hexagon nut from piston rod.
  4. Remove individual parts of suspension strut and coil spring with suspension strut tensionerV.A.G 1752.
  5. Note the installation position of the spacer between deep groove ball thrust bearing and spring seat.
CLPA? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. ⚠ First compress spring far enough to ensure that upper spring plate is free. — Ensure that coil spring is correctly seated in spring retainerV.A.G 1752/7(arrow).
  2. Fit coil spring with suspension strut tensionerV.A.G 1752 onto bottom spring plate.
  3. Position spring plate, deep groove ball thrust bearing and suspension strut bearing on spring.
  4. Install spacer between deep groove ball thrust bearing and spring seat. Make sure it is seated correctly.
  5. Tighten new hexagon nut on piston rod.
  6. Relieve tension on suspension strut tensionerV.A.G 1752 and remove from coil spring.
  7. Install suspension strut .

🎬 Related video tutorial

Independent AUTODOC tutorial for the same job, filmed on a different model (LUPO 6x1) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.

How to change a front shock strut on VW LUPO 6x1

How to change a front shock strut on VW LUPO 6x1

Other VW procedures

Who makes these pages, and how

TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.

Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.