How to Replace a Lower Control Arm

In this video, I show you how to replace the lower control arm on the golf. The bushings on it were cracking and getting old and it was a lot easier and more logical if I were to replace the bushings, along with the lower control arm, all in one shot.
In the next video, I will be installing the larger GTI BBK on the golf!!!!
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If you have any questions regarding the video, you know where to throw them!! Thanks for watching :)
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Videos in the Outro 🎥
How to Replace a Throttle Body Assembly ▶︎ • How to Replace and Cle...
Can you Install Lowering Springs without Compressors? ▶︎ • Can you Install Loweri...
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[@jameswalker852]

For an extra 2 bucks.. You deserve an extra 2 thumbs up for an awesome video that has definitely helped out big time. Great step by step. The clips. The direct narration. Excellent work.

[@CJOMEDIA]

I love this series it's cool to see this normal car become nicer and nicer I'm really enjoying the restoration videos on it and I can't wait for the mods either!

[@ap9012]

One crusial thing my friends- tight the bolts when the vehicle is on the ground. If you tight the bolts while the car is lifted, you are going to set the bushing to a stress and they will fail in few months. Hope the comment will help.

[@rockefelleragent1357]

How can u tighten da bolts when the car is on the ground you have no clearance to work on it

[@jamiebales8394]

@@rockefelleragent1357 Instead of putting it on the ground. Jack the steering knuckle up until the car starts to lift off the axle stand. Then tighten up.

[@VortechBand]

@@rockefelleragent1357 Long extension bar + universal joint. But yeah, it's easier to jack the arm up.

[@modogm]

Anton you are absolutely true. This is what I was about to mention but i searched and found you already mentioned it. So +2 more thumbs up for you ;) Not a lot of mechanics do it properly and after a short while after a bigger bump your bushings will break again for not installing them correctly. You first have to lower the car at the nominal ride hight before tighten the bolts of the horizontal axis bushings.

[@cameronphenix2117]

This is awesome! Very much appreciated.. I've replaced three control arms in the past 8 months, this should help me out alot

[@Cantu.DC5]

Nothing but good quality videos. Love your channel bro!

[@sirling9126]

Thank you for the video, it helps a lot for VW type cars

[@basicponymods4501]

The best tutorial video and also a lot tips. I learned a lot from this tutorial. now im able to repair my own car and also to share my videos with all you.

[@johnroederer6410]

Very nice job showing how to remove and replace the control arm. Good clear video and explanation. I learned a good bit. One important note: other videos I've watched indicate that the car should be lowered to the ground before torquing the control arm bolts so as to avoid future issues with the bushings (I see others have commented on this point). One last thought; I've heard that the alignment should be checked checked at the end..

[@hogie1685]

Lower control arms for dummies. Very well explained!!!!!!!

[@hectorflores2680]

As always, great video man, Keep them coming!

[@milanmastracci]

+Hector Flores Thanks brother!!

[@tommynguyen2612]

Thanks for all explanations.

[@StaticExvolt]

I love your Golf videos! Keep up the good work my friend.

[@milanmastracci]

+StaticExvolt Thanks buddy!!

[@bigdaddylove1763]

Brilliant, Video! They just keep getting better and better.

[@milanmastracci]

+Big Daddy Love 😀👍

[@KrisKASK]

Thank you so much for this video! Game changer for me.

[@sasu8478]

What a good explainer 💯

[@hogie1685]

Great video thanks!!!!

[@scottsheldon4788]

And.....The NEW control arm saves you the time of pressing the old bushings out and new ones back in. Worth $2 I'd say....Thanks, saved me a ton at the dealership--SSS

[@BlacklistBuilds]

great video! I need to replace my upper control arms soon

[@milanmastracci]

+BLACKLIST BUILDS Cheers man :) Glad this helped!!

[@venomobl6577]

Will be attempting this tomorrow 😬

[@Josh-zy3lq]

This is a great video keep up the great work man!!

[@milanmastracci]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mubashir8769]

you deserve more subs

[@milanmastracci]

+mubashir8769 SHARE SHARE SHARE!!! :D

[@toxic12093]

Nice job thank you

[@jesfauni7293]

very nice amigo!

[@kbytex]

I like the way you explain things. It would be good that every time you replaces a part explain why it is bad (Diagnosis) or how to verify that it is bad. For some people it is not easy to realize if the part is damaged or not (only when it is too late)

[@hussainalsaimari6936]

great job keep up the good work.

[@milanmastracci]

+Hussain Alsaimari Thanks Hussain :)

[@Jordan-nj2ve]

Excellent job brother! :) Every step was very well explained! :) I always look forward to seeing new videos from you in my notifications. :) Cheers! :)

[@milanmastracci]

+Jordan F Thanks Jordan!! I got another video coming out tomorrow :D and its a long one lol

[@Jordan-nj2ve]

+milanmastracci That's excellent news my brother. :) That will give me something to watch on my lunch break and take my mind off of life. :) Take Care! :)

[@Jordan-nj2ve]

+milanmastracci That's excellent news my brother. :) That will give me something to watch on my lunch break and take my mind off of life. :) Take Care! :)

[@milanmastracci]

Thanks Jordan :) its up :D

[@Jordan-nj2ve]

+milanmastracci :)

[@eb121209]

You definitely have enough room to remove the old ball joint. You use a open end wrench for the nut and a pair of vise grips to hold the joint. When I did mine, I ripped off the boot on the ball joint so I had more room for the vice grips.

[@SM-mj5np]

This guys vid. Is OP for being 7 years ago.

[@razakhassan4443]

Very informative

[@davehenderson9105]

Thanks for this info! Does the mk3 fox Jetta have upper control arms? I don’t see a how to on that.

[@crossgg6105]

You never want to use an impact on the lower control arm bolts, they all have a torque spec and overtightening them will hurt it just as bad. Use a proper torque wrench to tighten the bolts.

[@Mrn951951]

Cross also prob not supposed to use the bolts over again either... they're usually stretch bolts also

[@Theresalove34]

thanks CrossGG and noah.

[@osgarmz5848]

CROSS G I gota vw caddy mk3 2012...essentially looks the same...I was thinking Torque settings 70 for ball joint 70 for the 18,s n 50 for the 16. Would you agree? TIA

[@brookerleerich]

Wow....i never knew it was that easy. You made it look very simple. Great video :)

[@milanmastracci]

+Lee Brooker Thanks Lee!!

[@mrzero-fx6758]

Lmao that dam bird, great vid man keep em coming!

[@milanmastracci]

+Allen Rodriguez LOL the entire video he was chirping me ;)

[@lightningsmokerXx]

+milanmastracci Krown > www.krown.com/locations/all/ Krown MR35 Salt Eliminator > www.krown.com/products/cleaning-products/salt-eliminator/

[@pappaclutch3266]

What brand/model are those red jacks? Those are awesome! Thx

[@ksasbr107]

Hello✋🏻nice video and SPECIFIC 👍, I have questions , my car is LandRover LR3 and I'm hearing nocking from front lower control arm and I want to change it by myself . Until now the only thing I did to my car is oil change and oil filter . So I don't have impact wrench , impact socket . Can you please tell me what impact is good what impact socket type should I buy ? What should be aware of ! Thank you

[@AvoKupelian]

more golf videos! :D

[@milanmastracci]

+Avo Kupelian Got another coming tomorrow!!!

[@Ade24]

Nice video.

[@milanmastracci]

+Adrian Kolodziej Thanks man!!

[@fernandoflores5395]

You should do a video on the camber kit on your honda im having problems with mine..

[@stevesisniegas]

Regards from Miami, good video and where did you find those jack stands

[@treborhi]

been reading elsewhere that the control arm bushing fasteners should not be torqued until control arm is in the same position it would be if car is on the ground. Thus, would jack from the ball-joint/rotor area until car lifts off the jack stand and then torque the bolt. I could see where that might reduce stress on the front bushing but it seems to me it wouldn't matter on the rear bushing. Your thoughts? Video was nicely done

[@jasonl5313]

for future reference the spring shock assembly is at its furthest travel s you had it, no need to jack hub assembly. easier to pull hub away from the car slightly to release the balljoint from the arm. 😃

[@sirfitnesswreggitt6108]

Hey right on. That's what I thought as well. Thanks for the comment 👍.

[@JohnLaFosse]

My VW 2002 2.0L Golf I bought from a relative had a number of repairs that needed addressing. One was a worn tire. I replaced that tire, however the tire shop had me go back to my mechanic to loosen a bolt on the tie rod simply because they don't have a torch. Several months later, I'm noticing wear on one of my front tires and I'm thinking they may not have done the alignment properly or at 180,000 miles less care was put into it. I am tool-less and have very few places to do the work myself. Should I be considering putting the car up on jacks and looking for any play in the suspension? After watching this video, I'm certainly interested in buying tools to do the work myself and replacing tie rod ends, ball joints, and lower control arms. What would you recommend I focus on? BTW according to my VW mechanic all my repairs are done except a new radiator (perhaps) and rear brakes. I will clean out my wheel wells with degreaser this week and inspect the bushings etc.

[@ShahidHussain-dh1yj]

***** Excellent********

[@crviswanathan4293]

good video

[@austinkindig5235]

Do you happen to have any content referring to a 2004 Scion XB control arm replacement? I pressed in new ball joints on the driver and passenger side and they apparently were not pressed in properly (according to firestone upon getting my alignment) and are popping out.

[@heyitschinoable]

No preload on the suspension parts before you tightened?

[@RedondoBeach2]

Milan, I have a 2004 GTI VR6 and will replace the control arms soon. The video you made is helpful in getting me familiar with the job before starting. Since the car is 14 years old, I'll spend a little extra money on buying the control arm assembly and ball-joint instead of only replacing the bushings. I'm considering the Black Forest Industries control arms with urethane bushings. I understand the BFI urethane bushings are stiffer than factory rubber bushings, provide more precise/responsive steering and last longer. If you have experience with urethane bushings, do you have an opinion on them? Good idea? Bad idea? Do they make the car too rough of a ride if the car is for everyday use, not tracking? Also, I'm interested in knowing if the right control arm is just as easy to replace or if it's different in some way. Additionally, what other opportunistic maintenance do you recommend at the time the control arms are replaced? I'll inspect the CV boots to make sure they're still good or replace the axle if necessary. The one additional step I am considering, but unsure if I'll do, is possibly replace the shocks and springs. If you have a video on replacing them, I'd like to watch that as well. The shocks and springs on my car are original and seem to be okay, but I'm unsure how long they're designed to last. Your thoughts and opinion are appreciated. By the way, the MK4 GTI has treated me well. Hopefully yours runs well too.

[@OldSkoolSP]

My Mk4 GTI was that same color. Man, I miss that car.

[@AbbasMwali]

I like it

[@benfraher8352]

cool now l can do this

[@trevornoah5926]

Drivers side usually has a bolt nearest oil pan that requires sub frame to be dropped in order to remove/install.

[@siralexu]

Awesome diy, would have gone with the solid bushings on the back instead of the same old prone to failure ones

[@itmightbeoctober8789]

Replaced my axle & outer tie rod & got an alignment on it & my car wobbles when I go about 45, do u have any ideas what it might be ?

[@ralphpalmerotomines2927]

Do i need to replace both at the same time? Or the damaged arm only?

[@johnlone3074]

What part make you have to take off all the other parts? For example ball joint? LCA? TRE? Etc?

[@hkn_r34]

After the brake kit upgrade, whats next for the Golf? Will you be doing any rust repairs to it?

[@milanmastracci]

+KoNLaR Sure will :)

[@hassemsadiq]

Awesome video where is the video for the ball joint

[@danielfinlay1694]

Do you happen to know the torque spec's? I'm doing a similar job on my Passat.

[@howardmcfadzen2773]

I have a Toyota yarus 2007 the rear bolt has rusted off and there is no access to the nut on the top. any suggestions on how to get the rusted stub out?

[@epicx1038]

I'm thinking about getting a mk4 2 doors like this one for my first cars is this car good on fuel also great content as always

[@milanmastracci]

+Epic X Gaming It is very fuel efficient and is hella cheap to fix up / mod :D

[@mathc1rca]

+milanmastracci i thought vw parts were expensive

[@epicx1038]

A nice set of wheels tinted glass and lowering springs done finished would be perfect for a daily

[@shanetietz685]

I got this done at a shop yesterday and it’s been making a loud scratching sound please let me know why

[@LouieP1110]

Are you still going to do mods on the golf milan?

[@infotechsailor]

Control arm looks same as the Subaru control arms. Had a struggle getting my ball joint out and it wasn't even that rusty. If you're replacing the whole arm do this: remove inner bolts first and let it hang by the ball joint. Remove pinch bolt and the nut, soak in pb blaster, then hammer away on the old arm. It gets dented but it will pull the ball joint right out!

[@danielgaskell5490]

Great video! Please, consider the risk you're taking by using 4 jack stands. It's too easy to have the car slide off of one set; use a pair of ramps on the end you don't need access to so you can avoid that occasionally lethal situation. Thanks for considering this.

[@tonyg5871]

Daniel Gaskell ??? The fuk you talking about?? Ever heard of gravity?

[@ImAzraa]

There is some dude letting go an old Golf here in my country. 2008 model, rather affordable price too. This series is kinda tempting me to deal with the 'older car feel' and restore it and care for it ... Or... i could get a much newer, better condition city car!

[@ImAzraa]

+ImAzraa Oh nice ending, I was actually looking forward for the new brake installation process.

[@milanmastracci]

+ImAzraa Do it up!! You won't be disappointed with it and the amount of mods you can do to it are nearly endless!!

[@jerymia2911]

How much does it cost to repair these? Also should you replace both sides of the car or as needed?

[@frankiej8780]

How did you know the control arms bushings were bad I suspect because when I turn all the way and lock the steering wheel on u turns it makes a pop. Hopefully it's the bushings since I just bought new control arms with new bushings and ball joints.

[@justaperson8815]

Nice video bro, had to do mine awhile ago cause it rotted out on me.

[@milanmastracci]

+alex green Luckily they aren't too bad to replace :)

[@justaperson8815]

milanmastracci It was extremely easy to replace, just a few bolts.The problem was getting it off the control arm bushing and the bolt were fused together with rust, spent hours trying to get the bolt undone till the head snapped off after using a torque wrench it just went ping lol after it had to be cut out and got a new bolt from the junkyard.

[@milanmastracci]

Gotta love rust eh buddy? ;) Its hands down the worst part about working on cars!!

[@justaperson8815]

Especially since i live on Long island N.Y. Replacing the exhaust on my mustang soon as well as transmission fluid.Doing a X pipe Pypres with resonators where the cats would be.

[@milanmastracci]

Thats gonna be wicked!! Exhaust bolts are almost always a throw away item because they rust so fast

[@camilovazquez9767]

í would like to try

[@jo5567]

how do you change atf fluid that has no dipstick?

[@JoseZizumbo1]

where did you get the control arm? looking to replace mine soon

[@milanmastracci]

+Jose Zizumbo My local parts store. You can also buy them off of amazon :)

[@cashtj3]

Is it the same as all cars?

[@hardyjoe4278]

I keep seeing lower control arm section. Is there an upper section if the control arm?

[@kathyrose9515]

Good question

[@fox10169]

you actually don't need to take the axel out to get the ball joint out. just loosen the nut untill it buts up against the cv axel, then smack the knuckle where the ball joint goes through with a bfh untill it pops free, then grab the ball joint shaft with needle nose vice grips and loosen the nut the rest of the way. and you don't have to use a jack underneath the knuckle when pulling out the lca, the suspension is at full droop, the shock is preventing the spring from expanding anymore.

[@graysonsheridan1593]

Spent 4 hours replacing Wheel hubs/bearings on my car AND CV Joints... Could have changed out the LCA in an extra 20 minutes which is what was wrong in the long run. GRRRRR!!!!

[@Anthony_Spilotro]

Last few i did i spent most of my time heat and smacking rustey bolts...lots of swearing and throwing tools...everything is always seized to the max..... Everytime i watch a vid i never see guys have one issue with seized nuts n bolts.

[@papi2shampu4u]

Jonathan Gillis lmao 😂 cuz they dont show those parts, trust me they go through it too

[@rockefelleragent1357]

if u use impact gun you can get rusty bolts out easy

[@infotechsailor]

Ya my balljoint on my subaru was seized in there I was ready to sell all my cars and all my tools I was so pissed. Then I tried unbolting the inner bolts first letting it hang by the balljoint and just hammering the shit out of the control arm. Ya it got dented but was being replaced anyway and it worked! Out popped the balljoint

[@tgiDylan1]

i have a 2000 seat leon that uses the exact same LCA, i have taken the old out but I am struggling to put the new in. There doesn't seem to be enough space for me to be able to slide in the Ball joint connection and then bring the bushing ends up to where they need to be. Does anyone know why this is? help would be much appreciated

[@tomorr3343]

Having the same issue. If you figured it out that would be great to hear.

[@diegoantolin7003]

Grab the brake disc with both hands and do a 1/4 circular move left and right, pushing up off from your chest on direction to the front differential. You will notice when all comes to the right place. Sorry about my english.

[@AlphaNerd132]

The body of my car is over the nut. I can't even see the nut because the body is there. Any idea how to keep the nut from spinning?

[@DustInTheAir]

Are u in Ontario

[@alejandrosolis4198]

Is Neccesary Alignment after replace lower control arm?

[@milanmastracci]

Not mandatory, but doesn't hurt.

[@tasteofrye]

Why use a jack to hold the spring just to undo bolts if then removing jack? Wouldn’t the tension from the jack be needed till reinstalled?

[@uniculCSM]

Are those bolts strech bolts?

[@ashtonmurch2142]

csm yes!! call your local dealer. they're like $8

[@lambertj.2892]

Nice video. But you've got a lot of rust under that car. I probably would have done some kind of rust removal while I had the old control arms off. At least spray some rust converter or something. If you don't do something soon, that car's going to crumble back into to the dirt.

[@nihonkokusai]

I just used a ball joint remover and no driveshaft Off needed.

[@ireflexxx3907]

Need get your alignment done after aswell

[@GMWsho]

0:54 that pun...

[@milanmastracci]

+Dazzmond Western LOL

[@JoediyLab]

Where do you purchase your control arms for $2.00 more than the bushings?

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Now I'll teach you Croatian! :) Lower control arm = LAFETA Bushings = seleni Ball joint = kugla

[@HelloKittySam]

[@eduardortiz777]

who doesn't watch all of the video?

[@thusirohan7413]

I'm guessing just you....

[@eduardortiz777]

+Thusi Rohan hahaha I guess so too

[@mateusz1399]

price is lower because it is some shit quality part. I would change only bushing with lemforder/trw part.

[@Aashishkebab]

The way you say "out"

[@VortechBand]

What's that all aboot

[@RAWbinhood48]

Hey so are these still holding up?

[@milanmastracci]

Yes they are :) Still holding up great!!

[@TheSuburban15]

Don't buy $60 control arms. After 5000 or maybe 7000 miles, the cheap bushings will be toast, and you'll have to go through the whole thing all over again and you'll have put a lot of extra wear on the tire. Only buy quality parts - buy once, cry once.

[@krishickman8617]

_Suburban_ , I love it! "buy once cry once"

[@thehegt]

Don’t you have to jack up the lower control arm a little bit before you tighten it ?

[@brandonphelps4631]

LET ME BUY THE BALL JOINT I NEED IT

[@ChrisPBolsak]

how is your control arm that rusty, but you didn't break the welded nut in the subframe? especially with an impact gun

[@jessemclaughlin9680]

You think that's rusty? In Pennsylvania that's what a 2 year old car looks like.

[@cashtj3]

I mean on all cars

[@sh115067]

Cars get rusty in Canada eh

[@StLouisBandit]

No spring pressure is being applied on the control arm when the suspension is at full droop.

[@9zero472]

What's those axle stands called

[@Franksmith-xc7wn]

G UNIT RESPECT there called bottle jack or pop bottle jack