Date:         Mon, 8 Oct 2007 13:11:49 -0400
Reply-To:     Ed <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: 1985 Vanagon - Upper suspension are/wishbone bushings at
              spindle

Larry,

I replaced all bushings in the front suspension a couple of years ago.  It's
not a difficult job but requires a special press tool to remove the lower
ball joint from the spindle.  The A-arm bushings require filing off some
spot welds, pressing out the bushing, pressing in the new ones and re-spot
welding to keep them from turning.  Heat should be minimized with these
welds.  The rubber bushings in the lower arm can be pushed out with a press.
 A good, but not necessarily a VW specialist, machine shop can do this.

Look at the Bentley manual for  instructions.  I believe that if you are
going to go to all the work you might as well do everything.

I used aftermarket parts and I currently have some play in the lower ball
joints and in the upper A-arm bushings.  When I fix these I will use (and
pay the price for) VW dealer parts.  Others have also suggested there is
considerable variability is the quality of these parts.  I am very
disappointed in the quality of the aftermarket parts I purchased.

Ed