Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated

[jeepster1961]

hi, has any one changed a Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush, is it an easy job, i have to do both sides on my passat

on one side both bushes are worn on the other just the front is worn.

There is no knocking or noise when going over bumps but the car has failed its mot with these faults, would you get new bushes and try to fit them or just replace both arms?

can any one recommend a supplier ? or would you just get them from vw

[bigrich1]

I changed mine a a few years ago. If you are a reasonably competent mechanic with a decent bench vice you will be fine. Hacksaw to slice out the old bushes (taking care not to damage the aluminium arm) and the vice to fit the new (with some soapy water and assortment of sockets / mandrels to get it in the arm)

I used genuine VAG bushes, which worked fine.... and 3 years later are still squeak free and in tact. Copperslip on the aluminium subframe where they rub / pivot also helps. I believe that you can get powerflex replacements too...can't comment on their effectiveness though as I have no experience of them.