This page is designed to answer some "HOW TO" questions on removing and replacing the front VW Passat control arms on the 1998-2005 models with the multi-link front suspension. It contains information on what a VW mechanic will be doing during a Passat control arm replacement job. The provided Blauparts VW Passat front control arm replacement is only designed for information purposes as an overview on removing and replacing your front control arms. This information will help our customers grasp what's all involved in a front control arm replacement on the multi-link front suspension. It can also help owners to better communication with the mechanic during the VW control arm service job. The below VW control arm replacement info will differ depending on vehicle application and which VW Passat control arms are being replaced.
Replacing VW Passat control arms one by one can cost more in the long run. You'll save on installation costs when replacing all of your VW Passat control arms at once. If some of the control arms are on their way out, the others aren't far behind. It can be frustrating to replace a few VW Passat control arms only to find yourself back at the mechanic complaining of another squeaky control arm.
Estimated Shop Labor Time to Replace and Install VW Passat Control Arms
The below how-to information will take approximately 3.0 to 4.5 hours per side. A total of 6 to 9 hours. This is based off a mechanic who is familiar with the Passat front suspension system. It is possible for it to take several more hours for someone who is not familiar with the system.
Overview of How to Remove and Install Front VW Passat Control Arms
DISCLAIMER: Replacing any suspension components on your automobile without having proper knowledge, mechanical ability or the proper tools and safety equipment, can cause severe injury, damage, or death. Blauparts recommends that you have an A.S.E. Certified VW Technician install your parts to ensure safety. Always wear safety glasses and other safety items when performing automotive service work. ALWAYS: Refer to the factory manual for proper safety instructions, precautions, and proper installation of the components. NOTE: The guidelines below are not intended to replace the instructions as outlined in the Factory Manual. If you do not have the Factory Manual, we recommend that you purchase one before beginning your installation project.
HOW TO 1 - Loosen the upper control arm ball joints from the top of the wheel bearing housing. Be careful, the long bolt that secures the upper control arm ball joints to the wheel bearing housing is sometimes difficult to remove.
HOW TO 2 - Remove the sway bar link which is attached to the front lower control arm.
HOW TO 3 - Loosen the upper control arm mounting plate. This is done by removing the 3 bolts in the engine compartment that secure the upper control arm mounting plate to the body of the car. Note: The top of the VW shock tower also secures to the control arm mounting plate.
HOW TO 4 - Remove the lower shock bolt from the front lower control arm.
HOW TO 5 - From the wheel well area pull out the upper control arm plate far enough away from the body of the car to allow room for the removal of both forward and aft (rear) control arm bolts. Loosen the inner control arm bolts.
HOW TO 6 - Remove the lower control arms from the lower portion of the wheel bearing housing. The lower control arm ball joints have tapered shafts, as a result of this design they are wedged tight in the wheel bearing housing. Special tools are recommended to separate the control arm ball joint shafts from the wheel bearing housing to prevent damaging the ball joint boots on the control arms. Note: If the control arm ball joint boots are damaged, we have a control arm ball joint boot repair kit.
HOW TO 7 - Remove the tie rod end bolts and loosen the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing.
HOW TO 8 - Remove the drive axle bolt and brake caliper from the wheel bearing housing.
HOW TO 9 - Remove both forward (front) and aft (rear) lower control arm bolts from the sub frame.
HOW TO 10 - To reassemble you will be repeating steps 9-1 in reverse.
HOW TO 11 - When your VW Passat control arm installation is finished a complete wheel alignment is necessary!
