Picked up a spare set of LCA' and doing an AUDI TT bushing install. Just wondering if anyone had any install tips/tricks? Upon removing the old fronts I encountered a black sticky almost glue like substance. Would this most likely be the residue of the original install lube/adhesive? Was thinking that I would just use a little dish detergent and water as an install lube. As far as the back bushings go should they be installed dry or maybe with a little red loctite? Looking for a little advise!
vwwillie2000
Re: Installing new LCA bushings any install tips? (vwwillie2000)
here is the deal.
stock rubber bushings wether they be TT's/or regular MKIV's use no lube. UNLIKE poly bushings which do.
When the bushings are pressed into the control arms a grease is used. SInce a 15 ton press or something insane like that is used for the circular rears, even though there is grease between the outside collar of the bushing and the control arm they will not fall out. lube is used to put in the front ones too.
as far as loctite just use the blue stuff on the bolts
BE CAREFUL OF THE FRONT PIVOT BOLT THAT GOES INTO THE SUBFRAME WHERE YOU CANNOT SEE WHERE IT IS THREADED INTO. The nut this bolt threads into is PRESS FITTED to the back of the subframe so be extreemly careful when 'tapping' the bolt back to seat the threads to start to thread the bolt. too much tapping and pop it comes off and thats a big pain in the ass.
also when you do this try to have a wall behind you so when you fit the control arm back into the subframe you can put your back against the wall and push your feet against the control arm to put it in.
also a spike or a fairly beefy screw driver is very helpful to align the bushings w/ the subframe so the bolts go smoothly in. just move the control arm until you can slip the spike/screw drive in the center of the bushings metal tube and then w/ the tool pry the bushing to be orieneted in the correct position.
if you do not have a press its very hard to install the rear circular bushings. the front pivot ones you can do w/ some rigging w/ c-clamps and a bench vice.
i suggest installing the front pivot bushing yourself and the rear one have a shop do.
to remove the old bushings simply light them on fire w/ a blow torch and let them burn until they turn into marshmellows that you can just push out. the rear bushing when doing this will leave its metal collar in the control arm. take a hack saw blade and carefully but a slot until you just get to the control arm. then take a sharp edged screw driver and a heavy hammer and knock the collar towards the middle of the circle. you will get the hang of it just try not to damage the control arm.
should cost $10 to have each rear bushing pressed in at a shop provided you removed the old ones w/. the above said process.
here is the deal.
stock rubber bushings wether they be TT's/or regular MKIV's use no lube. UNLIKE poly bushings which do.
When the bushings are pressed into the control arms a grease is used. SInce a 15 ton press or something insane like that is used for the circular rears, even though there is grease between the outside collar of the bushing and the control arm they will not fall out. lube is used to put in the front ones too.
as far as loctite just use the blue stuff on the bolts
BE CAREFUL OF THE FRONT PIVOT BOLT THAT GOES INTO THE SUBFRAME WHERE YOU CANNOT SEE WHERE IT IS THREADED INTO. The nut this bolt threads into is PRESS FITTED to the back of the subframe so be extreemly careful when 'tapping' the bolt back to seat the threads to start to thread the bolt. too much tapping and pop it comes off and thats a big pain in the ass.
also when you do this try to have a wall behind you so when you fit the control arm back into the subframe you can put your back against the wall and push your feet against the control arm to put it in.
also a spike or a fairly beefy screw driver is very helpful to align the bushings w/ the subframe so the bolts go smoothly in. just move the control arm until you can slip the spike/screw drive in the center of the bushings metal tube and then w/ the tool pry the bushing to be orieneted in the correct position.
if you do not have a press its very hard to install the rear circular bushings. the front pivot ones you can do w/ some rigging w/ c-clamps and a bench vice.
i suggest installing the front pivot bushing yourself and the rear one have a shop do.
to remove the old bushings simply light them on fire w/ a blow torch and let them burn until they turn into marshmellows that you can just push out. the rear bushing when doing this will leave its metal collar in the control arm. take a hack saw blade and carefully but a slot until you just get to the control arm. then take a sharp edged screw driver and a heavy hammer and knock the collar towards the middle of the circle. you will get the hang of it just try not to damage the control arm.
should cost $10 to have each rear bushing pressed in at a shop provided you removed the old ones w/. the above said process.
Re: Installing new LCA bushings any install tips? (Banditt007)
sometimes...not ALL times...it's alot easier to remove the car from around the control arm...
![Image]()
i also found it helpful to loosen the upper strut CAP nut to allow more movement of the strut assembly. when reinstalling the arms, you'll definitely not want anything in your way...it can be frustrating.
| Quote, originally posted by Banditt007 » |
| control arms must be removed, no way around it. |
sometimes...not ALL times...it's alot easier to remove the car from around the control arm...
i also found it helpful to loosen the upper strut CAP nut to allow more movement of the strut assembly. when reinstalling the arms, you'll definitely not want anything in your way...it can be frustrating.
Re: Installing new LCA bushings any install tips? (GTIspirit)
yes
| Quote, originally posted by GTIspirit » |
| I've seen some pictures posted of these LCA bushings, and the Audi TT bushings look earily similar to my Golf II bushings, except with more rubber than void on mine. Do these Audi TT LCA bushings also fit the Golf II? |
yes
Re: Installing new LCA bushings any install tips? (Banditt007)
I smell an invention.
![Image]()
But it sucks that they have to come off. Oh well, so far the mod wise suspension is turning out to be the most physical work to be done on my car.... And no HP from it either!! Sheesh! lol
| Quote, originally posted by Banditt007 » |
| control arms must be removed, no way around it. |
I smell an invention.
Re: Installing new LCA bushings any install tips? (Banditt007)
Really appreciate the info, thanks. Had very little difficulty removing the bushings. Decided to forgo the torch method, did them on an arbor press, fronts were a little tougher than the rears. That is what led me to thinking that the black substance might have been an adhesive. The rears I just pressed out the centers and then did took the hacksaw to the shells, then used the press on the edges of the shells. Arms are at the powdercoaters should be done tomorrow or Thursday, then the install fun begins. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the threaded nut that you mentioned. Thanks to all that replied
Really appreciate the info, thanks. Had very little difficulty removing the bushings. Decided to forgo the torch method, did them on an arbor press, fronts were a little tougher than the rears. That is what led me to thinking that the black substance might have been an adhesive. The rears I just pressed out the centers and then did took the hacksaw to the shells, then used the press on the edges of the shells. Arms are at the powdercoaters should be done tomorrow or Thursday, then the install fun begins. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the threaded nut that you mentioned. Thanks to all that replied
Re: Installing new LCA bushings any install tips? (GTIspirit)
dunno for sure but go to http://www.germanautoparts.com and they will have the right tt bushing that will fit.
dunno for sure but go to http://www.germanautoparts.com and they will have the right tt bushing that will fit.
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