Free play in front wheel

[wilzy]

Hi guys,

I need your advise. My '98 golf mk 4 1.6 is having quite a bit of freeplay in the front wheels. when the car is on jack stands, the front wheels has freeplay when you shake it.
When observed from outside, as the car rolls to a stop, the wheels rocks backwards when it is just about to stand still.

Went to 2 mechanics, one said it was the front strut mounts, the other said it was the control arm bushings.

I am leaning towards worn fron strut mounts. Any advice?

[Umai Naa!!]

When you shake the wheel, in which direction?

As for the wheel moving backwards and forwards, it'll be the rear bush in the lower control arm. Replace the whole arm, they're only $80 or so.

[wilzy]

I checked on ebay the rear bush cost about 80+ postage for a set (both Left n Right). I can see why you said whole arm, ebay from UK cost about 80+postage and that comes with both front and rear bushes fitted. I'll ring up VW botany tomorrow to check on the parts price.

How much work is involve in changing the arms?

[Umai Naa!!]

Look up Eurobahn. They're on the Central Coast, but they freight cheaply and quickly. They've got the arms for about $80ea.

They aren't too bad to swap. It helps to drop the subframe down, as the gearbox will be in the road, and stop you from getting one of the bolts out.

[VDUB-BUD]

if you place your hand on 3 and 9 position on the wheels and can rock it back and froth it would be the control arm bush.

I would do all the bushes in the front with a ECS refresh kit or similar.
The cheap kits on ebayUK with complete new lower control arm are all Chinese crap and will cause more pain than its worth.

[wilzy]

Thanks fellas.

Called up the mechanic next to my place. He is charging 260 to change the control arm bushes on both sides. I dont think i will change the arms myself. Seems like a fair bit of work.