2012 Jetta Lower Control Arm Replacement Driver Side

While replacing the drivers side lower control arm on 2012 VW Jetta, I show a little trick to remove one of the bushing bolts. My apologies for the amateur video but hope this information is helpful.

[@gmctech]

Damn, you let the cat out of the bag! LoL.... A VW tech buddy showed me this little trick ages ago and it's a real time saver on the mk4, mk5 and mk6 'dubs I own.....

[@stevenmonte7397]

I spent 4 hours trying to pry that thing. i couldn't get it far enough. So i took that horrible small tire jack in trunk and had a good idea. Turn it vertically (keeping the part used to raise it on the bottom). Brace it on the steel beam by the arm in this video. turn the jack with a screwdriver and let it push the engine forward. once it's far enough, it comes right out. took me all of 5 minutes to get bolt out.

[@peterjeffery8495]

Hey Jim, thanks. A word of caution guys, the 1A Auto video doesn't accurately portray removal of the Drivers Side Control Arm on an M5 Jetta. They showed a completely different front attachment system with no Tranny pan interference. This video was a lifesaver.

[@peterjeffery8495]

On an 2006 VW Jetta MK5 with the BRM TDI engine you CANNOT get enough clearance to remove the pivot bolt simply by swinging the engine forward. First off jacking the vehicle up too high means on the front is a problem because you are fighting gravity, i.e. the engine wants to swing back as and you need it to swing forward. Secondly, and most importantly there isnt enough swing, you will be about 3/8" short and you end up with the engine against the coolant hoses all but crushing the fans attached to the rad if you try to force it. THE ONLY WAY to replace the Lower Control Arm is to loosen the front subframe and PLUS remove the bolt that holds the upper strut that is connected to arm via that pivot point housing. The opposite side subframe bolts need to be slacked at least 3/4" and the bolts on the side you are working on a bit more. YOU DONT HAVE TO REMOVE THE SUBFRAME. You still need to remove the Exhaust Support Brackets and the bolts that hold the motor anti swing bracket on the rear of the engine. Note that on 1 of the bolts on the Aluminum Block Bracket on the old LC ARM sheared off while I was removing it. There was corrosion caused by dis-simmilar metals or something(plugged with white powdery residue) that fused the bolt to the aluminum bracket. Go slow with these and don't use an impact gun to start loosening them if you can help it. Good luck, this one was a real challenge for me and one of the few times KZbin advice didn't pan-out .

[@hardcore4476]

I noticed those comments also.

[@chucksnothereman]

Lifesaver, thanks for this. The pros only show removing the other side. Cheers.

[@clappedshinobi2863]

This saved me 3.5 hours of labor at the dealer. Thanks!!!

[@Jordan-yx5gb]

Did this tonight in my brother’s driveway and instantly knew that front bolt and the pan was an issue. Only found passenger side videos until we found you. The weather was in the 20’s today in New England too, wish we’d had a garage like you.

[@alminramic8770]

doing my in MN -6 outside 25 in the garage :)

[@startheprophet]

@@alminramic8770 doing it tomrw same place :)

[@rujwanknunesz5332]

I’ll almost gave up on control arm job until I saw this video. Thank you!

[@spacehog7933]

Thanks Jim! It worked on my '01 2.0 Jetta. Whew! Man oh man this car should be branded Tetris instead of VW with 3 or 4 or 5 other things that always need to be disassembled/removed/messed with every time I need to replace something (starter, coil pack, etc etc and more etc..). Working on the ground, it took a reeeeeally long crowbar with LOTS of leverage and shoulder to move the engine forward as far as I could but the short answer is it worked. Barely by a hair but it worked. I sure hope the engine moves back to proper position when I'm done! I'm sure all my neighbors heard me repeatedly going 'Aaaaaahhhh!!!!!' with the head of the bolt going 'bonk bonk bonk' out of frustration into the trans pan before I found your video. I owe you a pint at the pub for this...

[@patg6557]

Did this on Sunday to my daughters 2013 Jetta SE, this saved alot of time and effort thanks! I did the harder driver's side first, then the passenger side after. Took about 3 1/2 hours to do both sides on my back in the driveway so it wasn't bad. I unbolted the new ball joints from the control arms and installed them separately and it made it a little easier. Have a 18MM wrench, 18MM socket, and a deep 16mm socket handy. Preferably 1/2" drive since these are pretty tight. Cordless impact gun also helped.

[@ABa-uo4zu]

Thank you!!! The first time I did it 2012 Jetta S, I lowered the whole subframe. That was around 10 bolts. This is a very complicated design from VW.

[@bubbasquish]

Thank You very much! I also have my daughter's Jetta here for repairs and I was a bit stumped until I saw your trick. Thank You for your generosity! Much Appreciated!

[@juniorpena8487]

Woo you the only one explaining the left driver side . Everyone only show the right passengers side .. thanks very much i s a great help thanks 🙏 again

[@atl1msw]

Thank you for the trick on how to move the engine and those 2 bolts, you are the MAN! I’m doing a 2013 Passat control replacement today!

[@mikeg2927]

I tried it on my 2013 passat and couldn't get enough clearance. I was about a half inch short I'd say.

[@320ifly]

This is a lot easier than what the service manual tells you to. Thanks for this.

[@davidn5770]

🤣alldata reccomends you remove the engine and subframe for a alternator job

[@stevene5194]

I just could'nt get the motor up far enough in the center. I used a 2 foot long square tubing and lifted the motor over from the center then put the tubing between the control arm housing and the motor and was easily able to get it over that 1\4 inch I needed to get it out then back in. Had to also remover the ball joint bolts out first and turn the steering a touch. Thanks man, Awsome video and solved a huge problem. As they say, work smart, not hard!

[@nickKMO]

Oh man, thanks a lot!! I was thinking about lifting the engine from the transmission side, but this action looks easier!!!

[@josemembreno1635]

hey man thanks for this video, I am a shop owner and currently working on an 2012 vw jetta and I was stressing and now it feels like a piece of cake thank you, have a great day I'm of to a good start!!

[@hardcore4476]

Are the bushings removable on these or do you have to buy new arm?

[@ImGriffinP]

Just wanted to say thanks so much for making this. It saved me when I did my driver’s side.

[@Lbundy]

I love vw but dang these designs are so frustrating at times. Thanks for the tips!

[@maxy4992]

Thank you for the great tip. I did this on my 2016 Passat, and it worked perfectly. I placed a factory floor jack between the engine and the subframe to push the engine forward as it takes a quite bit of force. People saying that this didn't create enough clearance probably just didn't put sufficient force.

[@jackhazz5777]

I am planning to do the same with my 2012 Passat, where exactly did you jack it?

[@maxy4992]

@@jackhazz5777 Note that you're not lifting the engine or anything. You're using the factory jack horizontally to push the engine forward, instead of lifting it. There is little room between the engine and the subframe, and you'll need to find flat surfaces where you can place the jack securely.

[@jackhazz5777]

@@maxy4992 Oh, I got you. It fit in that space? Well, I am doing it today so Ill try it out. Thanks man!

[@jackhazz5777]

@@maxy4992 Thanks so much, man! That jack between the subframe and oil pan was great idea! It took me 4-5 hrs for something that I thought will take me 2 days to do. I tried the crowbar first but it was too difficult to push it and I was mostly by myself, so it was physically impossible to hold it. I actually took videos, maybe it will help out fellow Passat owners. Ill post it with special thanks to you.

[@maxy4992]

@@jackhazz5777 Great! I'm glad to hear that.

[@abantebuilt]

Nice job Jim. About to do this on my daughters 2012 Jetta 2.0 TSi 147. Thanks heaps mate.

[@mikebradley7622]

You saved me hours. Thank you so much for this video

[@Airmanmx1]

It worked like a charm for me. Thanks to you I was able to get it done

[@dietrichhertel9366]

TDI owner here. 2013 sedan with the DSG. I got the bolt out like this video shows. It’s possible. No other steps necessary. You just have to want it bad enough.

[@alex_oneill_5277]

Thanks a lot for this video. Like other people have said all the ‘professionals’ only show the other side which is really easy.

[@hardcore4476]

Easy and cheesy!

[@johncasas5333]

Excellent tip!! Saved lot's of time.

[@joelfranco8145]

Thanks Jim That's perfect explained 👌 I been trying for a week 😩 and now I got it

[@wilsq30]

Getting ready to mine on the driver side as well. Thanks for the video.

[@davestevens6399]

Very well put.. I was looking at that wondering... you have saved the me the time... I have seen it where others have loosened the bolts on the sub frames and pried down on the control arm.... your way is much much better...

[@startheprophet]

about to do this on my 2012 Passat. definitely using this trick !

[@F.S.Thor23]

Thanks Jim this worked perfectly only issue I think I detached my exhaust moving the engine so far to get that bolt out

[@gregrosen5074]

Ugh, I was trying to lift the trans/engine for some dumbass reason instead of prying it forward. Thank you thank you thank you. Sometimes I just get stuck in my ways I guess.

[@RandiHickman44]

Wow thank you Jim!!! You just saved my life! Thank you for posting this

[@ethanperez5811]

so helpful thank you so much, worked for my 2002 1.8 gti as well this video saved so much time :)

[@reepingfear4476]

YOU ROCK!!!!! Thank you for addressing this.

[@daviddorr4683]

Thanks for the tip on that how to remove the boat

[@mulonru2965]

Thanks this really helps me fixing it tonight

[@jackhazz5777]

This video and a suggestion by Max Y in the comments made changing both lower control arm of my 2012 VW Passat easier. Took me 5 hrs, but I got it done. I took snippet of videos to show the set up. Hopefully I edit it properly so it can help other Passat owners.

[@Mrvikhan]

Thanks man! Hoppe you did my day!

[@ChrisSmith-st8of]

Thanks for posting this, it's the same for the Passat too! Saved me a trip to the shop!

[@hardcore4476]

Did you have to undo that subframe bolt right by the rear control arm bushing like he did?

[@ChrisSmith-st8of]

@@hardcore4476 yes I did

[@hardcore4476]

@@ChrisSmith-st8of I see why it’s so damn tight back there! After even loosening that sub frame bowl it was still tight as hell and a challenge to get even for the bowl to go through. Got the hard side driver side done!

[@joebeermaster5495]

Thank You! Doing one now

[@youknowme8693]

subscribed! thanks for that tip you are the man!

[@Hedonistic0Frog]

Thanks for this, I was about ready to drop the entire subframe to clear that stupid bolt.

[@bouncebackhenry337]

👍makes the job very easy thanks

[@hunterdion]

yay ! thanks man very helpful good thinking. i am working on my daughters car too . same yr and model thanks

[@danielcalquinhas447]

Good work thanks for the video

[@schecter3750]

Thanks bro saved me mad time lol

[@StevenIbanez]

Thank you so much, this is very helpful. About to do the same repair on my daughter's 2012 Jetta SE and was curious how I would get that bolt out. I'm grateful that I won't have to drop the transmission oil pan. Did you replace both sides or just the driver?

[@jimhabe3641]

I replaced only the driver's side because the bushing had failed and was making noise when driving over bumps. This solved the problem. The passenger side bushing was fine so I did not replace it.

[@Richard5873]

What made you change arm out ? What issue were you having ? I'm having a rattling noise driving me crazy, just got car a few weeks ago. 2013 Jetta TDI Wolfsburg. Great video on helping others out appreciate it. My noise sounds like its coming from R-side.

[@lukedryer669]

Dude!!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@Halfboxing]

Beautiful 🙏🏽

[@jbkmuzik]

Would it work the same way for mk6 Golfs with DSG?

[@drift_ronin2358]

Nice tip. Thanks.

[@deangelodwd4108]

Thank you. Very much.

[@TroyOt2]

Thank you😎

[@carlosblanco3005]

Thank you!!!

[@iamabot11]

Thanks dude

[@calvinperry699]

Thank you

[@joefoglia735]

I have the 2012 jetta se, and I can't find any definitive answer on whether I need the arm with the little bracket, or this type that you have here

[@sentrasr20jdm]

Awesome thank you

[@hardcore4476]

Does anyone know if it’s possible to remove the bushings and install new ones in the control arm without buying a new one with them pre installed?

[@ia4687]

Oleee man You just saved me about $2400 American dollars.. I owe you a beer 🍺

[@jonathanmcgeever8978]

Have you to to change the control arm or can you put a new bush into the old control arm? Thanks

[@hardcore4476]

That’s what I’m wondering also. Nothing really come up on the internet about that other then that they sell them so it must be possible.

[@TheNookaKids]

Any other suggestions if there isn’t enough room still when I move the engine over, that bolt is long still don’t have enough clearance

[@monsieur420]

same here cant the bolt out i removed to subframe bolts but dam feel like giving up at this point i jacked y pried the tranny still not enough

[@RFM-]

So can you use this method on an AWD?

[@MrGrizzlyXiong]

Thanks !!

[@ChadTobin]

So did you have to preload the control arm before you torqued the bolts and what were the spec

[@hardcore4476]

It’s recommended you do or at least try. But it’s hard to do on a lowered car like this. Trying to find a video of someone doing that.

[@fireballgaming345]

Mind blown

[@angelreyes2273]

I’m struggling to get the nut that’s on the other side of the second bolt u showed. Wish you showed that

[@SilentDeathPotato]

I had to loosen the subframe as well to get it to raise up enough

[@dmike082012]

Definitely wish I would of saw this a couple hours ago lol.

[@michaelshades4373]

I loved the idea you had then realized that mines totally different because its a diesel engine. Stumped haha

[@michaelhammond9459]

Well fuck me how do you do it on the the 2013 jetta tdi then

[@michaelshades4373]

My mechanic dropped the transmission to reach the bolt. I told him about prying it and he laughed and told me to never do that. I'm no expert but it makes sense

[@chadduffey375]

@@michaelhammond9459 DId you end up finding a way to replace the control arms on your Jetta TDI? I have a box of new control arms ready to replace them on my Passat TDI, but I am worried about taking this project on now. Thanks....appreciate any feedback.

[@hardcore4476]

We’ll damn!! I was all happy until I read this comment. I also have a 2011 Mk6 Jetta TDI!! So this method doesn’t work? I don’t see why it wouldn’t..

[@kking2653]

So on 2011 jetta 2.5, your still going to have to lower the subframe down a inch or 2 but thx👍🏼

[@dmytrohunchak5437]

I was about to take that transmission pan off but thank to you I saved some time

[@modularliving1024]

do you know where to find this busing, auto zone only has the forward one?

[@modularliving1024]

do you know where to find this busing, auto zone only has the forward one?

[@dmytrohunchak5437]

@@modularliving1024 I replaced the whole control arm (from auto zone $75)because I didn't want to wait for that bushing delivered. But I believe there are some on ebay for $25 each.

[@garagefixer7042]

I want to see you actually move the engine to get the bolt out.. I have tried and I still need at least another inch of movement to get it out.. no luck ..

[@ethiopianeyes]

Remove motor mounts and jack the motor. No need to remove subframe bolts.

[@zakkdavis1970]

Save time an hassle juz take the bone loose undo the trans mount an jack it straight up hell of alot easier

[@chucksnothereman]

I ended up doing that

[@hardcore4476]

Where’s the trans mount located?

[@zakkdavis1970]

@@hardcore4476 on top of the trans

[@canbrueast5173]

Still didn't work for me

[@ericerection]

This doesn't work for a 2012 SE Still not enough clearance

[@ericerection]

Nope sorry.. but it turned out it was my strut making the noise

[@serggla924]

You have to move the engine out of the way to get a bolt out………what kind of bs is that

[@hardcore4476]

Right! The older models were clear and nothing in the way.. engineers getting lazy these newer days 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@turboman4635]

Why does everyone's daughter have a Jetta😂