Control Arm Bushing: Service and Repair

Control arm bushings, replacing
There are different versions of the control arm

The same version must always be installed on both sides.

Pressing out is achieved using Workshop press V.A.G1290A.

Note:
^ Use assembly lubricating oil G294 421 A1 when pressing in.
^ Mixture ratio of lubricating oil to water: 1:9.
^ This lubricating oil is non-corrosive and penetrates into the rubber (diffuses) after a short time.
^ It leaves a slightly sticky film, which ensures firm seating of the bushing.
^ Most conventional greases/oils contain acid and cause a film of lubricant to form.
^ This may affect the rubber, or cause the entire bushing to twist in the control arm instead of flexing when the suspension compresses and rebounds.

The following instructions apply to vehicles in which the rear bushing as seen in the direction of travel (the larger of the two bushings) is solid (i.e. without cavities).

On vehicles with the number 8N0407165 or 8N0407166 is marked on the control arm.

When installing, note the following points in particular:





- Press out bushing.

Pressing in front control arm bushing





Note installation position of bushing





- Press in bushing - arrow -.

Pressing out / pressing in rear control arm bushing





- Press in bushing.

The following instructions apply to vehicles in which the rear bushing as seen in the direction of travel (the larger of the two bushings) has kidney-shaped cavities (see illustration No. A40 - 0446 -).

On these vehicles the number 8N0407157 or 8N0407158 is marked on the wishbone.

Shop press V.A.G1290A is used for pressing out.

Pressing out front control arm bushing
- To create a flat surface, cut off outer rubber part of bushing.
- Support control arm with this contact surface on plate VW402.





- Press out bushing.

Note:
^ Use assembly lubricating oil G294 421 A1 when pressing in.
^ Mixture ratio of lubricating oil to water: 1:9.
^ This lubricating oil is acid-free and penetrates into the rubber after a short time (by diffusion).
^ It leaves a slightly sticky film, which ensures firm seating of the bushing.
^ Most conventional greases/oils contain acid and cause a film of lubricant to form.
^ This may affect the rubber, or cause the entire bushing to twist in the control arm instead of flexing when the suspension compresses and rebounds.

Pressing in front control arm bushing
- Support control arm eye on a flat surface.





- Press in bushing as far as stop.





- Press in bushing further until the rubber head on the underside is completely visible - arrow -.

Installation position of rear bushing in left control arm





A - Part number
B - "Kidney-shaped" recess; the larger recess faces forward in direction of travel
C - Machined surface, press in bushing flush with this surface.
F - Direction of travel

Note different shapes of kidney-shaped recesses - arrows -.

Installation position of rear bushing in right control arm





A - Part number
B - "Kidney-shaped" recess; the larger recess faces forward in direction of travel
C - Machined surface, press in bushing flush with this surface.
F - Direction of travel

Note different shapes of kidney-shaped recesses - arrows -.

Pressing out / pressing in rear control arm bushing





- Use special tools illustrated and press bushing out/in.