Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI/Jetta/GLI MkV DIY & FAQ

DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings

Tools:
Jack
Jackstands
16mm socket
18mm socket
10mm socket
10mm box wrench
Socket wrench
Vice
Drill
Hammer
1/4″ Drill bit
Chassis grease (if the new bushings didn’t come with any)
Step 1: Break the front lug nuts loose (just get them started)
Step 2: Jack up the front end of the car and secure on jack stands.
Step 3: Remove front wheels.
Step 4: Starting on the passenger side, remove 3 [...]

FYI: too much front end play? check your front LCA bushings…

I’ve had some excessive play in the front end of the GTI lately, finally crawled under to find out why…
Video

DIY: replacing rear O2 sensor

Tools:

Jack
Jack stands
PB Blaster (or other penetrating grease)
Antiseize (make sure it is “sensor safe”)
Spark plug thread chaser
22mm box wrench -or- 22mm offset O2 sensor wrench
Socket wrench
10mm socket
T25 torx
First, make sure you have the proper O2 sensor. If you got a Bosch replacement, it should have antiseize applied already and a plastic cap (like pictured). [...]

DIY: replacing shift bracket bushings

Tools:
Socket wrench
10mm socket
13mm socket
T25 torx
flathead screwdriver
Step 1: Remove intake (and/or engine cover depending on how your car is equipped).

Step 2: Remove battery. Disconnect negative terminal, then positive. Then remove 13mm bolt and clamp holding battery in place. Remove battery and sides of battery box, set aside.

Step 3: Remove 3 10mm bolts holding [...]

DIY: Plasti-Dip Tiguan Front Chrome Grill

Periwinkles and I decided to pull apart the grill on the Tig, and Plasti-Dip the chrome front.
1. First there are 3 screws, one by each light and one in the center holding on the grill.(only 3 screws? they aren’t trying very hard.) Light screws. One on each side.

Center Screw

2. After removing the screws, start [...]

FYI: Updated approved oil list

See here: http://www.audiusa.com/etc/medialib/cms4imp/audi2/aoa/company/aoa-specific.Par.0023.File.pdf

FYI: Alignment Specs (US and Euro)

Front, US:
Camber: -30′ +/- 30′
Toe Out (at left and right lock): 1deg 38′
Caster: 7deg 34′
Ride Height: 382mm +/- 7mm
Front, Euro:
Camber: -44′ +/- 30′
Toe Out (at left and right lock): 1deg 22′
Caster: 7deg 47
Ride Height: 360 +/- 7mm
Rear, US:
Camber: 1deg 20′
Rear, Euro:
Camber: 1deg 45′

DIY: Replacing Transmission Side Mount

Tools:
10mm socket
13mm socket
16mm socket
18mm socket
socket wrenches
jack
jackstands
chunk of 2×4
Step 1: If you have an aftermarket intake you may need to remove it.

Step 2: Use the 10mm socket and disconnect the battery, negative terminal first.

Step 3: Use the 13mm socket and remove the bolt and clip holding the battery in place.

Step 4: Remove the plastic shell around [...]

DIY: Replacing Side Engine Mount

Tools:
Jack
Jackstands
Block of wood
Breaker Bar
10mm socket
13mm socket
16mm socket
18mm socket
Socket wrench
Socket extensions
T25 torx screwdriver
Step 1: Remove 10mm bolt that holds the windshield washer fill neck.

Step 2: Pull the wiring harness away from the coolant res.

Step 3: Remove 2 T25 torx screws holding the coolant res in place.

Step 4: Disconnect coolant level sensor, and pull res to the [...]

DIY: GTI/Rabbit antenna swap

Tools:
T20 torx driver
T25 torx driver
10mm socket and socket wrench
22mm socket and socket wrench
Small inspection mirror
Plastic trim tool, or flathead screwdriver wrapped in vinyl electrical tape
Please note: The headliner is made of fiberglass, long sleeve shirt and gloves recommended, exposure to fiberglass can cause skin irritation.
Step 1: Start by removing the trim piece at the rear [...]