Rear axle bushes

[rtb51]

Been told my rear axle bushes need replacing and that it's a new axle as the type I have does not allow the bushes to be replaced (2.0 GTI).
Apparently it's a common problem.
Anybody else come across this ?
At £800 at an idependant I'm anxious to find a cheaper solution.
Anybody know of somebody refurbishing these axles, or modifying them to take replacement bushes ?
All help gratefully accepted.

[Sugar79]

ERM WHAT!!!! ^^^^^ think someones trying to mug you off mate!!, i also have a 2.0 GTi and my bushes are gone and i have alot of my work done by my boyfriends, dad's mate, he is a very good mechanic and told me he can replace the bushes with no problems!! nothing about needing a rear axle!!
Think you should go else where mate to get the work done. 

[rtb51]

I got the same story from the main dealer who does my servicing, and the reputable independant that I went to.
There are two axle types fitted to the Mk4. One has replaceble bushes, which are a press fit. The price for this was £280 plus VAT at the main dealer, £180 all in at the independant.
The second type of axle has hydraulic bushes which can't be replaced, hence the need for a replacement axle.
The idependent tells me they haven't yet come across a replaceble type yet !!!
Given that fact, I'm hoping somebody out there has come up with a cheaper alternative.

[Sugar79]

what year was your car born mate?? as ima worried now 

[rtb51]

It's a Y plate 2001.

[Sugar79]

hmmmmm thats interesting, you see when the bloke looked at my car when he fitted my springs we had the car up in the air and he showed me my non exsistant bushes front and back he also told me that rear ones are not as important as the front ones, as the rear ones will just bang about a bit but the front ones affect steering and wears in the tyres.. so iam gonna get my front ones done when ever i get any spare cash (which is never) sob but even then he told me he could change therears no probs 

[rtb51]

I was rather hoping to get a reply on here from somebody who perhaps works at a VW garage, who could specifically state what the real story is.
I've spoken to Powerflex, and they say they are unaware of any problems. They say it's a straight replacement. The only real problem is getting the old bushes out. So I may go down that route, and do the job myself. I'll keep you informed.

[Sugar79]

i think you might need a special tool to put in the new bushes tho..

this might help you 

http://www.uk-mkivs.net/forums/thread/137992.aspx

[topher]

Sugar is right, you can replace the bushes regardless of the axle type. The hydraulic ones can't be replaced using usual tools so fir solid bushes instead.

Whoever quoted you £800 deserves a slap, thats a ripoff even for exchanging an axle.