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

DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings

February 26th, 2010 Posted in 2.0T FSI, 2.5L, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | 9 Comments »

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 [...]

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

February 20th, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

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

February 16th, 2010 Posted in 2.0T FSI, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | No Comments »

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 [...]

DIY: replacing shift bracket bushings

June 3rd, 2009 Posted in 2.0T FSI, 2.5L, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | No Comments »

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: [...]

DIY: Plasti-Dip Tiguan Front Chrome Grill

May 4th, 2009 Posted in Tiguan | 5 Comments »

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 [...]

FYI: Updated approved oil list

April 23rd, 2009 Posted in 2.0T FSI, 2.5L, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | No Comments »

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

FYI: Alignment Specs (US and Euro)

April 2nd, 2009 Posted in 2.0T FSI, 2.5L, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | No Comments »

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 [...]

DIY: Replacing Transmission Side Mount

March 18th, 2009 Posted in 2.0T FSI, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | No Comments »

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 [...]

DIY: Replacing Side Engine Mount

March 4th, 2009 Posted in 2.0T FSI, Jetta/GLI, Rabbit/GTI | 8 Comments »

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 [...]

DIY: GTI/Rabbit antenna swap

June 29th, 2008 Posted in Rabbit/GTI | 2 Comments »

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 [...]