I've mended something!

"DynamicWeight" (dynamicweight) 12/19/2016 at 14:35 • Filed to: None

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So this is what my girlfriend’s 2001 Jetta’s control arm bushing looked like. She had been complaining that “it sounds like my wheel is falling off”. I was a little intimidated by the idea of cutting out a bushing and pressing a new one in, and almost splurged on the rebuilt control arms for $60... but I’m glad I cheaped out with just a new bushing for $10. It installed super easily. Way easier than I thought.

And I know it’s an over used line but... It feels like a different car! And by not cocking it up I’m a hero instead of the guy that ruined her car. Feels good.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > DynamicWeight 12/19/2016 at 14:42

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I’ve helped install 4 of those bushings on 3 different mk4s the worst part is shimmying the control arm back into position

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > DynamicWeight 12/19/2016 at 14:42

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Did you use one of those loaner bushing presses from a parts stores? For whatever reason I always assumed they’d be a huge PITA

Mercedes Streeter > DynamicWeight 12/19/2016 at 14:45

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Fun fact: One of Tucker’s motor mounts is actually a solid rubber bushing from a VW Golf control arm. Actually works a LOT better than the actual OEM motor mount. lol

DynamicWeight > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 12/19/2016 at 14:45

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That’s what I assumed as well since everyone online whines about it! But it went in super easy. I cleaned out the rust and junk from the hole with a sand paper attachment on the dremel, wiped it down with simple green, and then lubed the bushing with dish soap. Oh, I also stuck the bushing in the freezer for an hour. Slid right in with no issue. I didn’t even have to use the wrench on the threaded rod until about half way through.

DynamicWeight > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 12/19/2016 at 14:47

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Yeah, I was really struggling with that until I went back and watched that part of the video I was following again. The trick, for me, was to insert the bolt through this bushing first, then swing it back into place. I had tried to get it into place first and it was impossible without putting the bolt in first.

Edit: Actually, I’m not impressed by much of the engineering on her Jetta, but I thought this control arm was actually pretty cleverly designed to be easily serviceable.

DynamicWeight > Mercedes Streeter 12/19/2016 at 14:54

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That is a fun fact! I could have used that solid bushing here... but I figured since I’m only doing one it’s better to just stick with the same side to side. I was eyeing poly bushings but figured for my gf’s commuter, better to just stick with the “comfy bushings”.

Mercedes Streeter > DynamicWeight 12/19/2016 at 15:34

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I actually bought a poly for the motor mount mod...it was so hard it would have shaken the interior panels off!!! Solid rubber was a good compromise. lol

Nisman > DynamicWeight 12/19/2016 at 18:55

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If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this is James May.

DynamicWeight > Nisman 12/20/2016 at 11:18

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As my favorite Top Gear guy I’ve certainly picked up a few choice phrases.

Bytemite > DynamicWeight 12/20/2016 at 15:08

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My god if that’s what a 2001 car’s rubber bushings look like...I think I’ll take my Miata to Mr. Mazda for a full inspection.

DynamicWeight > Bytemite 12/21/2016 at 18:12

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We should take a look at your car, but you would be able to feel if they’re this bad. I was thinking about buying a bushing kit for my car though. Maybe we could both buy one and do it at the same time! They aren’t expensive, just labor intensive.

Bytemite > DynamicWeight 12/21/2016 at 18:27

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I wouldn’t mind getting some stiffer than stock poly bushings, especially for the rear control arms. Let me check my PO receipts to see if any bushings were replaced recently.