strut bearing

03 VW Jetta - how do you check for excessive play in the strut bearings?

Joe

Ultimately strut removal, but you may hear thumping noise riding over bumps. This is a sign that your bearings are worn. I got 60,000 out of my 2000.

well i haven't heard any thumping when i test drove it, but when i put a prybar under the tire and lift it I get alot of movement of the strut and you can see it moving up in the engine compartment, just about every VW I get in the shop does this wel I can remember aout 3 of them that i checked and I talked to another shop and they said it is normal, so i searched online and found a few post mentioned raising the vehicle and pushing up on the wheel if there is movement the strut bearing is bad. So who is right, I know this is pretty common because I have sen it on a few VW in the apst but was told it was normal so never thought anything of it - I just want to be sure one way othe other.

It's designed to move with the strut. If no noise heard then the bearing is still within limits. When it's worn out you will know it. A lot of strut movement, with noise over bumps. Also tire wear will be noticed. This is my experience.