MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: BleckBulletGTI on July 08, 2017, 10:18:36 pm

Title: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: BleckBulletGTI on July 08, 2017, 10:18:36 pm

Hi All.

Today I decided to change my front lower control bushings.  Drivers side was easy but on the passenger side the gearbox is in the way and I cannot remove the bolt.  Any ideas how I can get around this?

Do I have to drop the sub frame or something like that? Looking for the easiest way out.

Any assistance would be appreciated.
 

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: exodus_ste on July 19, 2017, 02:10:22 pm

You have to remove the lower dogbone mounting bolt which allows the engine to rock out of the way. Manual or DSG?

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: Shoduchi on July 19, 2017, 02:13:27 pm

DSG version will need the gearbox mounts bolts removed and the box lifted with a jack.

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: acko2204 on December 10, 2017, 02:30:55 pm

I’ve had problems removing my front control arm front bush bolt, Offside was easy but nearside WOW it’s tight, I’ve managed to get it turned and out about 10mm but it’s still not budging any further!
My GTi is manual and plenty of room away from  gearbox!
Wondered if anyone else had same problem removing this bolt that’s all

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: pudding on December 11, 2017, 01:03:52 pm

Keep winding the bolt in and out with lots of penetrating oil in between each attempt.  Everyone loves a good bit of penetration eh?

The problem is the exposed portion of the bolt gets crusted up and binds in the threads when you undo it.   Just be careful you don't snap the bolt as that will seriously ruin your day.

Failing that, a good bit heat always works. 

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: r5gtt on December 11, 2017, 01:42:43 pm

As mentioned above, you WILL need to remove gearbox mount bolts and jack the box and engine up to get clearance for that particular bolt as I've done this many times  :signLOL: and it's not fun when you have to remove the CAI kit each time  :doh: good luck

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: acko2204 on December 11, 2017, 09:10:00 pm

I really dont want this bolt snapping like you say  :doh: as you can imagine!! I see what you mean about taking the gearbox mount bolts out and lifting box/engine for clearence.
And did try backing in & out with said bolt & lots of penetrating fluid (normfest stuff 👍🏼) always went back into thread nice and easy but a bugger  when backing back out again, I’m literally nearly clear of back wishbone bracket threads as can see back end of the said bolt then hopefully will fly out #gulp
This car seems to be beating me at every chance haha

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: acko2204 on December 11, 2017, 09:13:35 pm

👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼  screw you Golf GTi 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 I won’t be beat  :ashamed:

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: pudding on December 12, 2017, 09:49:11 am

Get a propane torch from B&Q and roast that f'cker.  It will back right out then  :happy2:

Title: Re: Changing lower control arm (Passenger Side)
Post by: acko2204 on December 30, 2017, 10:32:01 pm

Forgot to update..Had to concede & ended up bolting everything back up on the near side then limped it to a local garage who rebuilt the NSF for me (balljoint, alloy Passat arm & console bush)