[TheStranger]

So My headlights have been out and I was driving at night and all of a sudden a curb outta nowhere. My right axle cracks in half and it looks like my control arm is bent. I dont know much about cars but I guess I know a little bit, Ive never worked on a car. I was just wondering how hard it would be to replace these myself cuz I dont have the money for labor and I would actually like to know how to do it. what kind of tools would I need? should I really attempt this myself? what size axle would a 87 16v need, a 100mm or 90mm?

 

[Mr. Knappy]

Re: Replacing axle and control arm (TheStranger)

You might want to get the car checked by a body shop or mechanic. You may have bent your subframe too.

 

[TheStranger]

how would I know? it doesnt look like it. the same thing happend to my old mk3 vr and the subframe was fine. damn curbs outta nowhere.

 

[Mr. Knappy]

Re: (TheStranger)

If you snapped the axle you hit very hard. All that energy will go right through the subframe. Either way it would be a pretty big challenge for somebody who never touched a car before to change an axle and a control arm.

 

[TheStranger]

So are u saying I shouldnt even try. I mean i love this car and I know its fixable and I have to learn sometime I guess. Would it be better just to take it to a mechanic?

 

[Mr. Knappy]

Re: (TheStranger)

Do you have a good selection of tools? What are you gonna do if you get stuck? What if you break a control arm bolt? What if you get it all apart and you see the subframe is bent? Just some things to think about. There is much easier ways to learn then something like that. Just my opinion but it is your choice.

 

[TheStranger]

Well how do I tell if the subframe is bent? No you are right I really dont have a good selection of tools. How much could it cost at a shop?

 

[Mr. Knappy]

Re: (TheStranger)

Really the only way to tell is by looking at it with a trained eye. Then once you get the stuff replaced you put it on an alignment rack. As for the price? All really depends on what the labor rate is. I would imagine they charge you two hours or more plus an alignment. Maybe have somebody come over and help you. One of your friends that knows something about cars. That way you save money and learn yet not get stuck at some point.

 

[stripped_gti]

Re: (Mr. Knappy)

smart

 

[TheStranger]

well, it sucks being the only one around this town who owns a mk2. most of my friends dont now crap about cars. I mean if the subframe is damaged is it still a good car, I mean like can it be fixed? I would do anything to keep this car no matter how many times when it rains I have lake michigan in my passenger side.

 

[Mr. Knappy]

Re: (TheStranger)

Yeh the subframe can be replaced. That is one hell of a job though. If I was closer I'd help you out.

 

[TheStranger]

d a m n! Im so upset about all this. I dunno what I should do or how I should go about doing it?

 

[Mr. Knappy]

Re: (TheStranger)

Well your gonna need a basic metric socket and wrench set. A 12 point triple square drive socket or bit. A 30mm socket and breaker bar. First break free the 30mm axle nut. They are on there tight hense the reason for the breaker bar. Do that with the car on the ground. Then jack it up and set it on a jackstand. Unbolt the 3 13mm ball joint bolts. Pull hub assembly outwards. Axle end should pop out then. Now take off the inner drive bolts on the axle. Remove axle. Now take the two bolts out of the control arm and remove. Hopefully you get control arms with bushings already installed. It's not that it is extremely hard to do. It's just alot of things that can go wrong.

 

[TheStranger]

I was looking at control arms from performance cafe and they said they come with bushings already installed. These tools arent too hard to find are they?

 

[dragonracing]

the tools needed are basic tools to get 95% of all car work done. no need for specialty tools. if you have a good camera, you can take pics of everything you do and post them up here, and maybe we can walk you through it that way.

 

[gillano]

it a deffiantly a chore get a freind to lend a hand especially in braking the axl nut , have tyou freind put the brakes on while you turn the wrench
and soak every nut/bolt than you need to turn in PB blaster (red/black/yellow can) 20 minutes b4 you start
you will save so much effort

and fix the leaks soon and keep you carpet dry, or the floor will rust out, it happens faster than you think


Modified by gillano at 10:57 PM 11-23-2006

 

[Rassig]

Re: Replacing axle and control arm (TheStranger)

Quote, originally posted by TheStranger »

So my headlights have been out and I was driving at night and all of a sudden a curb outta nowhere.

New sig material?

 

[85gtii16v]

Yea, and when you use the triple squares on the axle bolts make sure you tap them in so they're fully seated, they'll probably be clogged w/ gunk.

 

[Moonequipt13]

Re: (85gtii16v)

those crubs can come out of nowhere...fentses too

 

[Tuggle]

Re: (Mr. Knappy)

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Knappy »

Yeh the subframe can be replaced. That is one hell of a job though. If I was closer I'd help you out.

i did this with help from my dad and my uncle who are both very mechanical but it was a terrible job to do on axle stands

but for the C - Arm and the Axle i think those are 2 of the easiest jobs to do on my car - it was one of the first things ii replaced on my jetta

As for parts http://www.bestpricecarparts.com and if you find it cheaper elsewhere let me know and i will see what i can do.