[T3] Abnormal Maintenance

Soren Jacobsen snj at blef.org
Mon Aug 6 21:14:09 PDT 2018


On 08/06 10:02, Jim Adney wrote:
> 
> When I read your first post I was thinking about the shift COUPLING,
> not the bushing. You're right, the bushings wear out. I didn't realize
> currently available bushings were junk. Any chance of getting a better
> one thru your VW dealer?

I haven't tried going through the official VW parts supply chain, but I
did eventually buy a couple NOS VW bushings from a guy in Germany.
Hopefully those two will be the last bushings I buy!

I've wondered if the recent production bushing that failed so quickly on
me simply reacted poorly to the synthetic grease I used.  I think the
next time it's convenient, I'll clean everything and try silicone
grease.

> Yes, I've replaced a couple of those, but I never felt that I had a
> good way of doing it. I reused the old steel ring, but still, getting
> the nylon part in place was an experience I'd rather not repeat. Got
> any advice?

The only way to make this job easy is to remove the shift rod from the
car.  Remove shifter, disconnect shift rod at the rear coupler, pop the
access cover at the tunnel, remove the apron plug, and out she goes.  It
seems like a pain, but it's not much work, really.  With the shift rod
removed, installing the new bushing is a piece of cake.

Here's another suggested "once in your car's lifetime" abnormal
maintenance item: replace the spring plate bushings in your rear
suspension.

I've been afraid to do this job myself, though.  A few years ago I
bought new bushings (they're cheap, and Wolfsbürg West claimed they were
OEM) but haven't found the courage to unbolt my covers.  Anyone have
encouraging words on the topic? :)

Soren



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