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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ OT: VW techs... AKA Capt'n

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Oct 2 2008, 04:22 PM

So my buddy asked me to change out his front up control arms for him. Any tips or shortcuts on this job? I was told the book time is 2.5 a side. Is that right? Why?

Posted by: Mark Henry Oct 2 2008, 06:47 PM

Top 2 or bottom or all?

Top 2 are not as bad as the book says as you can undo the top of the strut and drop it down and sneak the arms in. less than 1hr/side.

I haven't done the bottoms yet, maybe the crusty one will chime in.

Posted by: ejm Oct 2 2008, 07:26 PM

At the dealership I would do all 8 arms and the sway bar links in less than 2 hours. The lower arms to the subframe should be tightened with the wheels on the ground or they will fail early from excessive tension on the rubber.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Oct 2 2008, 08:26 PM

I am just doing the top two. Anything I need to look for or any special tools I may not have on hand? I didn't think the time the book gave was close but they never really are. I really hate the little jobs that they only give .5 hr when it takes about 45 minutes. I'm glad I don't work flat rate anymore.

Thanks for your help guys. You guys have made my side jobs much easier for me

Posted by: Mark Henry Oct 2 2008, 08:33 PM

Top uses one thru-bolt to lock the outside joints on to the strut, it can be a bear but it will come off. The inside rubber part has the same issue ejm was referring to on the lowers, but just put it back the same orientation as the old ones and it will be fine.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Oct 4 2008, 03:07 PM

So nobody told me you wouldn't be able to get the bolt out of the front arm without pulling the strut

Thanks for all your help. Ended up getting it done in an hour and a half.