Front, top bushes?

[Mitchy G]

G'day guys

I've just had some minor work done on my car. The mechanic believed that my "top suspension bushes" should be replaced soon.

I am considering undertaking this task myself however i had a few questions.

Firstly is there a walkthrough on here or vwvortex ? I have found a number of posts related to replacing the bushes but I am unsure which one specifically related to me

Secondly is there a recommended part or style of bush that i should use ? An updated or better design or should i stick with OEM parts ?

Thanks guys

[Feeine]

i am guessing you mean the strut top bush


i think just oem rubber ones are best, i have seen some urethane ones but most people just use the rubber ones.
Hes a tutorial for you using a spring compressor. if you don't have one you're gonna need to remove the whole strut.
Front strut mount replacement 'How to' - TDIClub Forums

[dylan8]

Nice upgrade is the r32 or tt tops. Oem feel but bit more solid.
Replace the strut top bearing while you are there

[Mitchy G]

Nice upgrade is the r32 or tt tops. Oem feel but bit more solid.
Replace the strut top bearing while you are there

What is the purpose of the bearing and are they readily available including the R32 model ?

[Mitchy G]

i am guessing you mean the strut top bush


i think just oem rubber ones are best, i have seen some urethane ones but most people just use the rubber ones.
Hes a tutorial for you using a spring compressor. if you don't have one you're gonna need to remove the whole strut.
Front strut mount replacement 'How to' - TDIClub Forums

Do you still need to compress the spring if you're jacking the car up and relieving all the load ?

Edit: read the how to and answered my question. Thanks mate!

[Snail Style]

Yes need a spring compressor. As the nut on top/strut top maintains the spring under compression even without load on it. If your not comfortable using a compressor then don't attempt the job, big accidents can be had if you don't use it correctly.

However are you sure that's the issue? You can't inspect strut tops during a service, unless you hear them grinding/creaking on a roadtest. So possibly he means a different bush? Should ask for clarification on what is the issue.

[dylan8]

You can't inspect strut tops during a service, unless you hear them grinding/creaking on a roadtest.

You can inspect them, zap the top nut off and the top hat and you can see how cracked or sagged they are.
Even before doing that a good indication is the height the top hat sits about the tower