Front ARB bush replacement

[Foe]

I've booked a day off work tomorrow to get some work done on Chloe.
First off, front suspension bushes. Droplinks, lollypop bushes and ARB bushes.

Any recommendations on the best way to tackle the ARB?
And the right order to start.

Thanks

[tha881]

Lollipop bushes require a puller or brute force. If they are the type with the void then you can cut the rubber away from the holder and then cut the remaining rubber off the control arm. When fitting the new ones make sure you clean and lube the control arm and bush. A block of wood with a hole and a large hammer may be your only option if you don't have a puller.

Some people use longer bolts for the arb bushes as it requires a lot of force. Grips can then be used to hold the bracket tight to the sub frame whilst you remove bolt and fit correct one. My method was to lower the car gradually (using oem jack) while having a metal bar placed between the floor and bracket. Not the best or safest method but it will get the job done.

The droplinks are the only easy bit unfortunately!

[steve_k]

get the lollipop pressed out back in again by a garage if you can.
the "easy" way to replace the ARB bushes is to sling the original bracket in the shed & replace them with the bushes & brackets for mk5 golf rear ARB brackets & bushes, but you will have to "modify" one of the mounting holes in the bracket so you can use two bolts instead of trying to keep the tab in the hole while tightening the bolt.

as for the drop links? mk3 mondeo rear drop links fit perfectly & are cheap enough.

[paultv]

Last time I did mine:

I guess this is all in the Wiki, but....

Order, take off the ARB then do the Lollipops, then re fit the drop links -

Jack up front end and support with axle stands, remove drop links, then the ARB bush clamps - use some silicon spray on the new bushes, roll bar and clamp surfaces, refit first - then the drop links - the silcon or soapy water will allow you to manipulate the ARB to fit the drop links. Good idea to fit the Mondeo up-grade drop links, stiffer and will last longer too. Don't finally tighten the drop links untill the car is settled on the floor.

The wishbones swivel about more easily with the ARB off - just make sure you have a puller to draw the lollipops as well as a press or large vice to push out the old, and push in the new bushes. I made a "press" out of a length of 12mm threaded stock to push the lollipops back on to the ends of the wishbones whilst under the car - use soapy water to help as this dries and locks the bush to the pin - don't use WD40 or silicon - BMW make a special goop for this purpose.

Locate the lollipops bolts but don't fully tighten either until the car is level on the ground at correct ride height, then tighten everything up, drop links too.

Now rush off and get the front wheel alignment done.

probably forgotten something.

Paul

[Foe]

Thank you all for the advice and tips

I did get some Mondeo rear droplinks.
Hopefully the weather is kind tomorrow and fingers crossed!

[paultv]

at least you're not in the SE - tornadoes or some such madness there!!

Paul

[Foe]

at least you're not in the SE - tornadoes or some such madness there!!

Paul

true!!!

[Foe]

My god, what a palava!
ARB bushes done, new drop links in place, just waiting for my mate to pop over with a puller for the lollypop bushes.
As per previous post. Nothing tightened up until back on the ground.

[paultv]

Good fun isn't it !! I hope you have a "pusher" to get the lollipops back on!

Paul

[Foe]

that is a job I never ever want to do again!
All bushes replaced
Just need to get the alignment done

And no I did not have a pusher, but a large hammer and soapy water!