Club 80-90 Forums

OK, so I know it's in wiki.

Would someone who has actually done the wishbone bushes please let me know,
How much a pig of a job it is ?
Any useful tips?
Do the new ones absolutely have to be welded in ?

Sounds like I will be doing mine soon, If the chirping clonking squeeking noise is anything to go by.

yes they need welding, they are as slack as a dick in a welly top otherwise.
remember the inner bolt sets the camber, so "cock" it up and look forward to strange handling and a possible bill for it to be set back to where it should be.

Piece of cake!

Do all the usual safe jacking/axle stand type things...making sure you leave wheels free to 'hang'...

Remove road wheels

Spring compressors - secure! You need to take out the tension of the spring so you can:-

Undo nut at top of suspension mounting (should be under a plastic cover which lifts off)

ease shock absorber down to give a bit of clearance.

Using spanner (17mm I think) and a hex key, - undo the nut securing the upper wishbone.

Punch/drift through the long bolt (its smooth and has flat side along the centre of its length) to remove this bolt.

Knock out wishbone complete .....

CAUTION: WHen this is removed you will have a concentric washer each side, try to mark their positions, or you will adversely affect the steering geometry when you reassemble it. See pic



Now, take the wishbone and grind off the spot welds that hold the bush in place.

Use a press (or take to a garage) and push out the bushes.

Fit new ones.

They SHOULD be spot welded in place but (my VW mechanic) states its not 100% necessary - expect someone will disagree, and I had mine welded!)

Refit is reversal of removal..

Finally, allow four times the length of time you think its gonna take!

Good luck...........

I did mine , quite easy , but then Mr Baxter told me how much he does them for , and i wish I'd taken the van to him , then i wouldnt have been mucky and wouldn't have got shouted at by matron