Mounts, bushes, control arms!

[vr6mike]

Just been told by Midas (not that I take their word as truth) as they were doing a wheel allignment, that my engine mounts are very worn (nothing I didn't expect), the bushes are gone as are the lower control arms. Is there much potential for long term damage or what are the possible ramifications given the above, cause I can't really see the value in forking out on labour to have it sorted in the near future. All wisdom greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Mike

[MattyT]

Well if your engine mounts snap you'll loose power and possibly damage the engine.

Worn bushes will lead to spongy ride and poor handling.

Lower control arms don't wear out, they break. If one brakes you'll know about it when your car becomes completely unsteerable.

I'd get a second opinion from a specialist suspension place (where are you? update your details) you will be able to give honest advice.

[vr6mike]

Yeah i'd say the control arms are just worn, I'm in kensington near Randwick. Only Just found out so will definitely suss it out a bit more. Cheers for the advice Matt

[Tim]

control arm bushes wear. If they have never been replaced on your car they will probly be overdue. Upgrade to R32 ones!

[rayray086]

If you're planning to replace all the bushes and bearings, it might be worth your while to buy them from America, like from www.germanautoparts.com. We've done a few group buys from them before and their service is always fantastic. Coupled with shipping, the costs end up being cheaper than buying locally. You also have the option of going for uprated items rather than standard and they usually just cost an extra $5USD.

Just my $0.02.

[DubSteve]

Yep thats right I just bought a set of new control arm bushes from there will fit them soon once I get a service done

[The_Hawk]

I also have a bunch of poly stuff from there. I really can't enough good things about GAP! Good service and good delivery times.

Mind you I just got some (more) parts and my AC is working again so I'm pretty happy!

[peedman]

U can get a full kit from fourseasons for 80USD.

[Pullstarter]

When i got my control arm bushes replaced was cheaper and easier to get the whole replacement arm with bushes installed from VW with the time we saved on pressing/unpresssing bushes in and out etc.

[vr6mike]

thanks guys, are we talking a couple of hours labour here or more?
cheers

[Pullstarter]

At least a couple I'd say, plus they'll charge for use of the press etc.

[sukebe]

I read on vwvortex to hack the old ones out with a chisel and put the new ones in the freezer overnight. To fit the new ones in, warm the control arm in an oven, take the new bushes out of the freezer, the bushes will slide in by hand with a mallet. I take no responsibility for anyone attempting this, though I'd like to hear if it works

[Pullstarter]

That sounds well dodgy! I love it!

[rayray086]

I read on vwvortex to hack the old ones out with a chisel and put the new ones in the freezer overnight. To fit the new ones in, warm the control arm in an oven, take the new bushes out of the freezer, the bushes will slide in by hand with a mallet. I take no responsibility for anyone attempting this, though I'd like to hear if it works

I'd imagine that would work really well. It would be the easiest solution if you're planning to do it at home with ordinary tools. You'd really need a presser to do that otherwise. On an off topic note, steel wheels are made like that, with the centres being frozen and the barrel heated a bunch til it gets red hot, and then they're both cooled/heated to the same temperature so they bond together super tight.