Rear Axle mounting / Pivot bushes > Has anyone replaced? Easy? Hard? Tips?

[Steve Foster]

I have a 1.9 TDI (110bhp) 1998 model.

Has anyone replaced the Rear Axle mounting / pivot bushes?

I understand you have to remove the complete rear axle assembly including disconnecting the handbrake cables / flexible brake pipes / suspension lower struts.
Once the rear axle is off you have to use a special extraction tool to pull the bushes out. You should not drive the mountings out as you can enlarge the seating!

Wheel alignment would also have to be checked and adjusted.

Is this a job for a fairly competent DIY mechanic or should I leave it to the experts?

Just trying to save myself excessive garage bills.....

Any comment , tips would be appreciated - thanks in advance.

Steve

[kenney]

Hi You do not have to remove the axle to replace these bushes,the biggest problem is getting the old ones out. As with all jobs there are the special tools.However a fairly competent DIY mechanic would find a solution.

[Steve Foster]

Thanks Kenney,
So if I manage to get them out without removing the axle, will I still have to get the wheel alignment checked?

Can I leave one bolted in place remove and replace the other, then repeat the process on the second one?

[kenney]

No you have to remove both bolts to lower the axle.Mark the housings before you loosen the 4 retaining bolts.There is no adjustment no matter what you do, only on the quattro

[audimad]

Same on the 2wd, it can be done by lowering the axle etc. I used stud bar and exhaust tubing to pull the bushes in after hacking the old ones out with a saw,lol

[mr ritz]

you've got to be fairly brutal to remove the old ones. hack out the rubber then saw the outside sleeves through. the new ones often have a specific orientation so make note of the old ones before starting the job.

also when i did it we disconnected the rear brake caliper flexi pipes and had an absolute nightmare tring to bleed the abs unit afterwards!

[Steve Foster]

Kenney,

[Steve Foster]

Kenney,
If you can send some information on how to change the Axle mounting / Pivot bushes I would be very grateful.
email address: steve.foster@ametek.co.uk