Front and rear suspension arms

[2007GTI]

I had an advisory on my last MOT about worn front and rear lower suspension arm bushes.

I gather from past experience that the bushes can be replaced, but obviously that is more of a machine shop thing, as you’d need a big press. Hence not something most local garages would consider, as they will want to install new ones off the shelf.

So my question is, is it even worth bothering trying to get them replaced, I presume going the easy route and install new arms with pre installed bushes.

So for ease, which are the best OEM quality arms?

Cheers

[madstaff]

Getting the bushes out is easy, getting the new ones installed is a little more tricky as need to be pressed in.

Can be done with a big vice, although using a press is easier.

Having said that most garages should have a press, they like to fit new arms as by the time you factor in a new bush and fitting it's just as cost effective to fit a new arm.

[ES98]

Recently had the front lower arms replaced on my gti. I went with Lemforder mk8r lower controls arms (right - 44611 01, left - 44610 01).

They fit straight on and the rear bush has less of a void, feel much tighter but did notice an increase in NVH.

[rowlers]

I just replaced the complete rear arm, bought secondhand ones, wire brushed them, hammerited them and used PSB poly bushes.
I'll do the same for the front when the time comes.

[2007GTI]

Good to know, did you notice any more noise, vibration and harshness?

I just replaced the complete rear arm, bought secondhand ones, wire brushed them, hammerited them and used PSB poly bushes.
I'll do the same for the front when the time comes.

[rowlers]

Good to know, did you notice any more noise, vibration and harshness?

I just replaced the complete rear arm, bought secondhand ones, wire brushed them, hammerited them and used PSB poly bushes.
I'll do the same for the front when the time comes.
I don't feel any difference to be honest.

[EB2019]

I just replaced the complete rear arm, bought secondhand ones, wire brushed them, hammerited them and used PSB poly bushes.
I'll do the same for the front when the time comes.

Hi Rowlers

I looked into the front lower control arm rear bush for poly bushing and I found owners with issues of them splitting. Due to the way the arm pivots in the bush, something about it not being how poly bushes are designed. They are perfect for rotating around a bolt and collar and resisting flex, but the front arm rear bush only flex and doesn't rotate. Might be ok, but just wanted to share what I read.


Like ES98 I would just replace the hole arm, the front bush on the front arm will also be worn and it's much quicker to replace than try to press out/cut out and press in and refit. Unless on a very tight budget and have the time. but if you are paying someone its cheaper to just replace.

[rowlers]

I just replaced the complete rear arm, bought secondhand ones, wire brushed them, hammerited them and used PSB poly bushes.
I'll do the same for the front when the time comes.

Hi Rowlers

I looked into the front lower control arm rear bush for poly bushing and I found owners with issues of them splitting. Due to the way the arm pivots in the bush, something about it not being how poly bushes are designed. They are perfect for rotating around a bolt and collar and resisting flex, but the front arm rear bush only flex and doesn't rotate. Might be ok, but just wanted to share what I read.


Like ES98 I would just replace the hole arm, the front bush on the front arm will also be worn and it's much quicker to replace than try to press out/cut out and press in and refit. Unless on a very tight budget and have the time. but if you are paying someone its cheaper to just replace.

Good info, thanks