Everything you never wanted to know about working on your MkV VW.

DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings

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

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 16mm nuts from the ball joint.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 5: Remove 18mm bolt from front of control arm.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 6: Remove 18mm bolt from rear control arm bracket.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 7: Remove 2 16mm bolts from rear control arm bracket. At this point the bracket should be free from the car… you may have to wiggle the front bushing loose.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 8: Secure control arm in vice, then drill 4-5 holes thru the outer rubber.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 9: Hammer the old bushing out.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 10: Grease the new bushing with the provided grease, or chassis grease.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 11: Insert the new bushing into the control arm making sure it is seated all the way.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 12: Re-install the control arm on the car. You may need a jack to help press the front bushing back in to place.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 13: Repeat process for the drivers’ side. Remember to disconnect the HID leveling sensor.
 DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings golfmkv roflwagens

Step 14: Re-install the wheels.

Step 15: Lower the car off the jackstands, and tighten your lug bolts.

Step 16: Enjoy!

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  1. 10 Responses to “DIY: Replacing front lower control arm bushings”

  2. By dennis on Mar 27, 2010

    How do you know when these need to be replaced?

  3. By tbadera on Mar 27, 2010

    See here: http://www.golfmkv.net/blog/archives/78

  4. By drieszn on Apr 10, 2010

    Has anyone replaced the rear LCA bushing on a Jetta MkV?

  5. By tbadera on Apr 12, 2010

    Yes, I installed the Whiteline WALK kit recently. There will be a DIY on here when I have time to do the write-up.

  6. By drieszn on Apr 18, 2010

    Thanks tbadera. Lookin forward to your post

  7. By jensinnzl on Jun 29, 2010

    Hey tbadera,

    did ever work on your air condition compressor?
    It seems like that most of the 2006 compressors were from Valeo / Texel and are bad. There is a TSB out there recommanding to use the Sanden compressor.

    I am thinking to replace it as preventative maintenance. Did you ever replace it?
    Should you do it as a DIY or is that something for a shop with the right equipment?

    Thanks!

  8. By tbadera on Jun 30, 2010

    I did have my Zexel compressor seize, and replaced it with the latest Sanden model. You can replace the compressor yourself, but you will need an HVAC person (or shop) to handle evac and recharge of the system. Double check the TSB, IIRC they tell you to also replace the condenser and the expansion valve. If your compressor hasn’t seized yet, you might be able to skip those two items.

  9. By jensinnzl on Jun 30, 2010

    Is the change difficult do perform or rather easy if you just replace the compressor before it seizes?

    Around what mileage did yours seize?

    Thanks!

  10. By tbadera on Jul 1, 2010

    It is not very difficult, just take your time. Mine seized around 105k miles.

  11. By kenlounge on Apr 11, 2011

    Do any of the bolts on the rear control arm bracket need to be replaced? Are they stretch bolts?

    Also what are the torque specs for the bolts?

    Thanks!

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