My front wishbone bushes are worn on my mk2 16v, are they easy to replace? I'm thinking of just using standard kit, as the uprated bushes are a bit expensive. What sort of tools will i need for the job? Edited by: vwpolo2000
It best to buy complete wishbones rather then changing the bushes alone. Its far more easier. And always buy VW ones not GSF or ECP
You`ll save money in the long term as they last longer, plus the std rear vw bush is crap imho. If you can`t stretch to powerflex ones, rally design do some cheaper that are rated by people on the forum.
just did this on mine heres some pics: rear bush has a thin metal sleeve fitted around the bolt that needs to be removed/bent over before the arm can be removed from the car, i used a punch to knock the end of it over.you will need 2 new ones (come with the powerflex bushes) then cut out the rubber and cut the metal shell from the arm (be careful not to get carried away and cut into the arm). sorry for the blurry pic: pressing the front bush out with a bit of pipe and threaded rod arms off the car bushes removed, new powerflex bushes fitted you will need: spanners/sockets, hammer and punch, vice (to hold arm and press in the rear bushes), hacksaw, pipe and threaded rod + selection of washers to remove front bush, copper grease for refit. also expect to shear some of the bolts if they haven't been off before. both my ARB eyelet bolts sheared and the balljoint bolts and nut plates needed replacing. Edited by: steve r
Nice pics Steve, I always mean to calalogue my jobs on the car, I just never get around to it. Alternative method for the front wishbone bush is using a vice to do a similar job in pressing out the bush, I used a bit of scaffold bar which is just bigger than the bush handily. Alternative method (if you're feeling strong) for the rear bush is to just pound it out with a cold chisel and a lump hammer. That'll put hairs on your chest! . As you say tho, cutting the outside metal part of the bush is the best, less chance of damage to the rest of the wishbone. I've done wishbone bushes 4 or 5 times now and I've never had a problem getting the old bushes out. Joe
i pressed the rear bush in with a big vice, plenty of grese to help it in and a big socket on the top side of the bush so the rubber was pressed rather than the metal insert. took a few goes to get it to start in the vice but was quite easy, i had to go around the lower side of the bush with a thin screwdriver and gently lever the bush once pressed in as the bush has a lip which needs to come completly through the arm to allow the bush to seat correctly. don't think i have a pic of the rear bush being pressed in [:^(] Edited by: steve r
cheers joe, my dad was helping me and it drove him mad with me stopping every few minutes to take a pic, but i think it's worth it.
I fitted the insert after putting the bush in the wishbone, makes it a bit easier. The bush just pops in with a vice.
which bones AKA control arms!?is that it!? what were the simptoms that let you know that the wishbones were shoot!?
Generally sloppy handling etc. but it's good practice to just replace them anyway when you get a new golf, the parts are very cheap and it's a pretty easy job. Yes, wishbones are the same as (track) control arms. Joe
I've got the same problem, is it better to get the whole wishbone + bushes from VAG or just buy VAG or Powerflex bushes?? I can get the whole wishbone + bushes VAG for 73. Is there anything else I should change??
i can get this from a US site.what do you think!? "Urethane Control Arm Bushing Kit Does both bushings in each left & right arm $49.95" here is: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi/?html=l earnmore.html&productID=1097 Edited by: HidRo
check the strut top mounts. The metal bearing inserts in my old ones were actually bent. as were the ARB mounts
Hidro,it depends how stiff the bushes are, if they are listed for road use they should be fine, race use might mean they`re a bit to hard! Personally my powerflex ones are spot on.
did you see the link!?that's the only info i got on them! this is what i'm thinking of getting from the states: Ignition Wire Set $39.95 Outer Tie Rod Kit Includes Left & Right tie rod ends $19.95 Haynes Repair Manual-A1, A2's from 1975-1992 Great for most repairs & services that you might want to perform.... $16.95 ECS Rear Suspension Hardware/Install Kit Does not include upper spring perches $69.95 Urethane Control Arm Bushing Kit Does both bushings in each left & right arm $49.95 Timing Belt & Tensioner Roller Kit for PL &9A Engine Codes $39.95 plus 94$ posting :| what do you think!?
