Front control arm replacement.

[derek.kritz]

Gonna start on my control arms today I got from 034. Anyone have a diy or any tips for install?? Should be pretty straight forward. But a couple tips never hurt. Thanks.


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[derek.kritz]

Well, I'm in BALL JOINT HELL....
The top 2 control arms went on like a breeze. no trouble.
The Then, the bottom 2...with their ball joints.
So first the big rear one. Got the nut off the inner large bushing. But know idea how to get to get the bolt out!!! The head of the bolt is pressed against the metal sheathing that superstar the exhaust and the suspension. And the bolt is long...
The same arm, rear lower. The ball joint must be popped out. No bolt clamping it in. Need a better tool, cause the autozone one ain't cutting it. Stuck in there real good.
Next onto the lower front. The one with the strut connected to it. It came out nice and easy. Then I hammered the old ball joint out from the bottom. Now to drop on the new one. Hahahaha. Don't have a ball joint press tool, and can't pry the hub open enough to slip the new one in. Gonna need that press tool.
So...after 3 hours of swearing and a couple gashes in my hands...off to bed, and got to pick up some better tools.
I used to do suspension work on my old VW's all the time. Always a headache. I never learn.
If anyone has a trick to get that bolt out of the lower rear, please tell me. I can't see any way except to remove that metal firewall stuff. And I don't feel like doing that.


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[04Moroblue]

I'm about to tackle this myself next week, can't offer up much. Looking at that lower rear looked like a PITA. I seem to remember people dropping the brace or lowering the rear of the subframe. Could be wrong though.

[derek.kritz]

That exhaust shield looks like it has to be removed. Pain in the ass. And those ball joints are no joke. If i could go back in time...would have takin it to pros.


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[dave1078]

Is this being done as maintenance or just an upgrade? If maintenance, how long did your stock arms last?

[derek.kritz]

Maintenance. Lasted 50k. Most of the bushings are ripped that are in there. But I drive it like a wild man. Motor mounts are also shot.


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[nycaudi]

Maintenance. Lasted 50k. Most of the bushings are ripped that are in there. But I drive it like a wild man. Motor mounts are also shot.


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lol same