Rear axle beam bushings

[ffoff]

So it seems that the rear axle beam bushings on my golf are shot. I've read a few threads on the tex and its apparently regarded as one of the more painful jobs on the mk3.

I've got the bentley manual but am going to have to knock some sort of press together to get the bushings in. Just wondering if anyone on here as done it before and if you've got any tips or info on how you did it?

cheers, Josh.

[rayray086]

I don't know if you've read this thread on the Vortex (VWVortex.com - DIY Rear Beam Bushings Replacement with OE Bushings.) but it's one of the best DIYs I've read. I've never tackled the job before but going over it makes it look damn easy, definitely no need for a hydraulic press.

By the way, what are the signs that your rear axle beam bushings are gone?

[ffoff]

I don't know if you've read this thread on the Vortex (VWVortex.com - DIY Rear Beam Bushings Replacement with OE Bushings.) but it's one of the best DIYs I've read. I've never tackled the job before but going over it makes it look damn easy, definitely no need for a hydraulic press.

By the way, what are the signs that your rear axle beam bushings are gone?

That's one of the DIY's I read actually. I think the hardest part is pressing the bushings out while the axle beam is still partially attached to the car. I'm hoping to not have to fully remove it so there's no need for me to disconnect brake lines or anything.

I think the bushings have actually been shot for quite a while now. Back when I had stock suspension, driving say on a highway the rear of the car was really loose. If I'd hit a little bump the whole car would kind of skate around. It was actually pretty scary haha. Theres also this weird knock sound. It only happens under higher load, like taking off from a stop. Its even more apparent and if you take off on low revs. It also happens when hitting bumps in the road.

At first I thought it'd just be the rear suspension, but after replacing all the suspension the knock is still there.

I'm gonna have a quick look under the car just to confirm. But I'm pretty sure that's my problem.