Control Arm Bushings

The control arm and the control arm bushings are shown in Fig. 5-33. The control arm bushings are replaced by removing the control arms from the car. The rubber bushings are somewhat flexible, but they are a tight fit and a press is recommended for removal and installation. If a press is not available, arrangements should be made to have this press work done at an authorized Volkswagen dealer or other automotive machine shop.

To replace the control arm bushings, raise the car and support it on jack stands. Remove the control arm mounting bolts and remove the sleeve from the rear control arm bushing. Disconnect the stabilizer bar. Remove the ball joint clamping bolt and separate the ball joint from the wheel bearing housing.

Press out the old control arm bushings, using a press as shown in Fig. 5-34. Alternately, a hand puller may be used to press out the bushings as shown in Fig. 5-35. On installation, the rear bushing must be oriented as shown in Fig. 5-36. Use soft soap to lubricate new control arm bushings for installation.

Fig. 5-33.

Exploded view of control arm showing control arm bushings. Ball joint should not be loosened except when being replaced.

Fig. 5-34.

Front bushing being pressed out of control arm with hydraulic press and punch. New bushing is installed in the same way.

Fig. 5-35.

Front control arm bushing being pressed out of control arm using hand puller. Use bolt (A) with depression in head to keep puller centered. Car shown is not one of those covered in this manual.

Fig. 5-36.

Correct orientation of rear bushing in control arm. Align with indentation in control arm (arrows). Kidney-shaped opening in bushing (A) must face toward center of car.