MK8 Upgraded Pendulum (Dogbone) Mount DIY and Testing

[@mariusnenu]

Great info. And just to reinforce what you said ref improving the shifting, it does make a difference. Even if you have an older higher mileage car, changing the dogbone, even with a stock one, will have a positive impact on the shifting.

[@rubabimtiaz6435]

ab vf ratty gttt

[@S.Double.0h]

I installed the 034 pendulum arm and, upper and lower inserts on my Mk7.5. The only time I experience the most vibration was engaging first gear after that it's all good. I love the stiffness when getting on it. It just feels more solid.

[@bmuns6445]

My 3 favorite upgrades on my 2014 GLI : (1) Unitronic Stage 1 ECU/TCU Tune (50 more hp, nearly 100 more tq) $900 (2) 034 Motorsport Rear Swaybar (no under-steer, rides like on rails in curves) $260 (3) 034 Motorsport metal dogbone insert. Improves shifting with no NVH. $50 I would do this to any VW car in the future.

[@Sagiso2746]

I find it ironic that I just got a Unitronic stage 1+ tune for my 2014 Gli, and have a 034 rear swaybar, 034 metal dogbone inserts, and a torque solution billet pendulum mount on the way.

[@Artemis_Prix]

For my manual TTRS, I believe the bottom insert is the perfect compromise. It makes a big difference in terms of improving shift feel and minimizing drivetrain movement, while having no detectable increase in NVH (no joke). However, the dogbone bushings will only last 10-12k miles when the bottom one is installed. I had installed the upper insert as well at a later time. Although it provided a modest increase in shift feel, it unfortunately resulted in a major increase in NVH. In addition, it provided zero improvement in terms of the longevity of the dogbone bushings. In fact, they only had lasted around 8k miles which was contrary to what one would expect. By comparison, the OEM dogbone bushings last about 15-20k miles. Can't comment on the 034 Pendulum mount upgrade.

[@jetpilot7473]

With a little WS40 the top one slides in from the bottom pretty easily eliminating the need to pull the sway bar.

[@landoncook4529]

My nephew bought a 2018 GTI and he's noticed a slight rattle when accelerating in first or reverse. I said this part may be causing it, or something in the exhaust. So strange that you release a video about it literally 2 days later, lol. Great video, Charles!

[@davidrelyea6284]

More likely it's the transmission mount.

[@austintrajkovski3007]

FYI, you can do just the pendulum bar to make a massive difference on hop in a gti without needing the inserts and not much added vibration from experience. I ran the apr insert on my 7.5 gti and done very little and added a lot of vibration, and ended up snapping my stock pendulum mount, remove the insert which was bent as well and just went for a full apr dogbone bar and the car is soo much better less vibration, more grip, less tramp, smooth wheelspin and more responsive front end on the power, highly recommended to do just the dogbone bar

[@noahk9217]

You left the OEM rubber bushing in place with the APR pendulum bar?

[@ricardohelleisseverini3592]

I have the same noakhs’s doubt here buddy.. pls answer us

[@gpeaes]

no

[@dasautogt]

Always enjoy these particular (traditional) HumbleMechanic vids. How nice is it working on a brand new under carriage.👍😁

[@Truckerdude8.1]

Thanks!

[@Truckerdude8.1]

Just installed the 034 motor sport billet pendulum mount and the upper and lower inserts using your video and holy cow what a difference! I did purchase the full kit with the new upper and lower pucks but will install that when I drop the subframe when I do new lower control arms. Keep up the good work on awesome videos 👍

[@slickrtm]

Thanks for the vid!!! Just had the pleasure of replacing the pendulum bushings with the 34 on a Passat b7…. Mine destroyed itself after 10 years, but if you can get away with just inserts, I highly recommend! The “not fun” Charles mentioned is an understatement 😂😂😂

[@NorthCoastWorkshop]

I fitted a yellow Powerflex insert to my cupra R's dogbone mount last year, and I'm still debating whether to swap it for a slightly softer red insert (for diesel cars), as the vibrations in reverse, and low down revs is a bit harsh. Great informative vid as always! 👍

[@MrZyLeXx]

Im pretty sure im running the purple one in my car, not too bad and i recently fitted the entire arm and i don't feel that it made a huge difference in terms of vibrations, i have not launched the car since so can't say if it helped with wheel hop or something like it.

[@sibzilla]

Cheers for this comment!

[@spencer1320]

I am excited on seeing a aftermarket shift knob!

[@crispyone2564]

I just did the upper/lower insert on my mk8 and it’s waaaay too harsh. I’m gonna take it out and try to make sure it’s not bound up when I tightened it. 034 has a video saying it can be installed wrong and is a lot harsher

[@gpeaes]

well?

[@VincentSmith_apk]

Fiesta ST has a similar problem. The rear motor mount is so bad that sometimes the engine actually slaps the firewall under hard shifting. Also puts alot of stress on the passenger side mount. 50k miles later and I'm finally doing some upgrades.

[@scoob66]

focus too lol

[@SamaraRing]

That is not even possible, what are you talking about?! Rear engine mount is too soft from factory, but not anywear near to hit the firewall.

[@ragnarironspear1791]

I find your videos fascinating 👍🏻

[@joshhohler949]

Great info! Always looking forward to your upcoming videos. I'm especially interested in seeing and learning more about VCDS adaptations regarding such features as hill hold assist changes or removal, different lighting features, or anything else that could be tweaked to preference. Thanks again!

[@laalaa99stl]

*Insert obligatory warning about never re-using dogbone bolts. TTY!

[@turboshottho]

just be mindful if you do re-use i reused but didn’t crank down on them like a new TTY

[@victorchen8484]

That mod is the one added the most nvh for me. Especially on a low start

[@primalurges_]

i have a mkv rabbit and put a polyurethane dogbone insert in, reverse has never been the same since but overall the shift feel was worth it

[@primalurges_]

update: i got a spherical bearing mount for it too and it's made the nvh too intense

[@RangeTimeRicky24]

Thanks for doing this. From the beginning we have noticed this bushing and the clunk it creates. On our last trip from SE Idaho to NW Washington we noticed an abrupt clunk numerous times on the steep downhill side of the passes so we are hoping these inserts help.

[@GermanEliteTuning]

Awesome install and review.

[@karstgeo7290]

Good one...like the underside footage.

[@benzineist]

Any thoughts on the longevity of that spherical in the arm? I know I had spherical endlinks on my car and they seized 100% in about a year.

[@034motorsport]

Due to the location these are mounted, this spherical bearing can last years without issue. We have yet to have a single mk7 dogbone spherical come through for replacement so far!

[@ryantornai945]

Ive had an 034 spherical arm in my mk5 for like 5 years no issues

[@jameslovett8697]

@@034motorsport How much does this improve traction in say a GTI TCR?

[@034motorsport]

@@jameslovett8697 hard to say how much exactly, but by keeping the motor from bouncing on the mounts, it will help improve traction, along with our upgraded motor and trans mounts as well.

[@eden4949]

My 7.5 GTI (DSG) had this exact 034 insert, I must say I mostly noticed more vibration, there was a v small improvement, not sure if I'd do it again

[@eleazarcassis2870]

three related q's to the subframe and dogbone bushing 1- are poly inserts for the subframe bushings on a 2015 tiguan with 6A transmission make any difference? pros/cons 2- does inserts (poly), extend the life of the original rubber bushing? 3- can poly inserts be used to compensate wear of oem rubber bushings

[@davidmusiyenko4158]

More please! I love this!

[@dalesmit7869]

Thanks Charles, good advice always! Waiting for the 8R to arrive in South Africa.

[@Zoldran]

Thanks Charles! Great video as always. Looking forward to the upgraded sway bar vid :)

[@BenLinn]

Yeah on my mk4, the subframe bolt was stuck and the head broke off. and then where it went into the trans, the threads stripped. So I got a new subframe and put new steel threads in the trans, working great now! I got polyurethane though so my whole cabin shakes at idle

[@MegaHollywood1971]

Very well done Charles! As per usual 👍

[@westonfields4320]

Mk4’s really benefit!

[@matthewguerra5410]

I see VW went and used an Aluminum subframe finally of the Golf R looks like the Audi S3 subframe

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep!

[@davidrelyea6284]

I'm not the only one that struggles to do the final turn on some of these tty bolts. It can be ridiculously hard. I would never suggest doing with old bolts.

[@scoob66]

lol def not with old hardware

[@myshots101]

I've been fixing an mk5 and my torque with these things is good and tight since they seem to want that stupid 90 degrees. Dumbest thing I've seen instead of just sticking to a number and be done with that like other manufacturers. Engine hasn't fallen off yet and I did put in two new upper mounts with the same bolts. That bottom frame bushing looks like a pita since you probably have to take it all down just to change those.

[@scoob66]

@myshots101 I mean other manufacturers do use them, it just varies, but they're actual tested numbers still, it's where the bolt provides the most clamping force from its stretch while still retaining strength and not snapping

[@scoob66]

You don't usually wanna do the angle torque with the old hardware, though, as it's already been stretched to that maximum clamping force and it distorts the bolt, so doing it again could break it

[@gvi341984]

Will we ever get updates on your older VWs? Still waiting for that awesome content

[@maldo72]

my man, you have come a long way from when I saw your first videos .. saw your comment from Eric the car guy ... which is strange I thought I was subscribed to your channel from before anyway subbed and will catch up

[@JaredSVX]

I'm curious...do you know what the highest torqued bolt on the car is? That 130 looked like a struggle!

[@guku4163]

Guessing Axle bolts.

[@rars0n]

My car (2017 GTI, bought used, still stock) hops violently if I try to accelerate hard from a stop (it bangs so hard that it sounds like it's going to break the car). It's so bad that I thought maybe one or more mounts were bad. I'm not sure if it's a normal amount or not, but your footage with the stock dogbone shows a lot of engine movement, so I'm hoping that replacing the dogbone will eliminate it. I intend to continue to modify the car and run it at the drag strip so I am erring on the stiffer side. I'm no stranger to stiff drivetrain mounts and I actually prefer some of that vibration to come through, especially on a vehicle that is as quiet as this car.

[@wassymassy2290]

I have a issue with my Mk7 with 100,000 miles. A misfire on cylinder 3 only, misfire is only on idle. Did compression test 190 on 1,2,4 and 160 on 3. Changed spark plugs, coils, injectors, and did a carb clean. Any help on what it could be the issue would be appreciate it.

[@aidenshearin1637]

I’m very curious to see if the rear sway bar 034 motorsports has will fit. I remember it being one of the best handling improvement modifications for the mk7 and I want to see how it would affect the mk8

[@HumbleMechanic]

The one they initially sent me didn't. but the standard MK7 bar did. I think by now they should have the catalog dialed in

[@youbetoomuch]

Dont own a vw but enjoyed the video ... Great how to personality brah

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much

[@motor_citymuscle288]

Keep these vids coming!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

glad you like it!

[@PennerPrintsMedia]

I know this video has been up for a while, but any update on the upgrades? How is your satisfaction with these after driving for a while? Looking to do this to my stage 2 R but not sure if the additional vibrations will out-way any benefit for daily hooning.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I took the arm out and installed the OEM one. Left the insert only. That seems to be a great compromise

[@dominicanstig5196]

@@HumbleMechanic I have a 23" GTI and I’m looking at stiffening the shifting without introducing crazy NVH or ruining daily drivability. How do the upper and lower dog bone mounts feel after a year? I’m not really into track driving, just spirited back roads.

[@diydrivenGA]

Charles- how often have you seen that bolt holding the insert needing to be retightened? Is it likely if not tightened to spec?

[@masterv2118]

Will the insert over time wear the mount and cause premature replacement? Because nobody likes to be premature..

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’d assume not. It will Move less than without

[@aaronx357]

Has anyone installed the insert from the bottom? I don't want to remove the swaybar bolts. Thanks!

[@aaronx357]

Update I did install the front insert from the bottom!

[@friscostreetstories5403]

O34s billet dogbone for a Mark4 R32 is the best one on the market.

[@vijaychampanaria7809]

I installed both inserts ..took them out after a few months ..Got tooo much vibration on acceleration

[@jernigan007]

It was worth it on my MK6 !!

[@spinnetti]

don't forget the motor mounts.. They really help take the slop out. With all the various bushings and mounts done, there's like zero driveline lash, but NVH is still low.

[@2810Mad]

The long boy always goes in the back

[@krisrivera2301]

What is the torque spec of the bushing bolt if your not using new hardware???

[@eric6650]

What’s the reason you go +90 degree after torquing?

[@iZephiroth]

@HumbleMechanic would something like a Fluidampr help with some of the NVH these mounts cause?

[@brandonpena3516]

Hey Charles. I'm not sure if the top dog bone mount has a nut or something because i needed to replace my old bolt of the subframe mount and the new one wasn't catching any threads. they are oem mounts. The bolt should thread no issue. Any tips or ideas?

[@brandonpena3516]

Dog bone mount bushing **

[@MegaHollywood1971]

Hey Charles. Do you know the specs of the Pucks? I am trying to acquire a bushing removal tool kit so that I can replace them. Any ideas? Would appreciate that 👍

[@mrsluigi9478]

Hey HumbleMechanic, where do you find service manuals for any car? How are repair manuals even made? Do manufacturers make them themselves and let only dealer techs have access to it? Is a DIYer not allowed to know the Torque specs for their engine/chassis/etc? I go coocoo for cocopuf- I mean torque specs! Everyone seems to hand tighten things down and call it a day.

[@Guillermoherrera22]

I put this exact kit on my gti mk7.5 and it felt miserable to drive! It rattle insanely hard. I took it out and it was Pleasant to drive again, what did I do wrong? I torqued all and put new hardware to.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You didn’t do anything wrong(most likely) this part will introduce more vibration. When you stiffen up, that almost always adds vibration in the cabin.

[@Guillermoherrera22]

@@HumbleMechanic hey thanks for answering! But it introduced allot of vibrations like bolts n stuff in the cabin got loose 🥺😓

[@Jdmorris143]

That Buzz had me laughing.

[@rockheadbikes1675]

I have the Racingline Pendulum mount. As well as the upper and lower racingline pucks, racingline engine and motor mounts. Do you think the pendulum mount is worth installing if Im going to install the upper and lower pucks as well as the engine and motor mounts? Im going to track the car but the car will be driven as a daily driver. Or can you give any advice on which parts I should install first and then test that I have?

[@guyver96]

I changed out my dog bone bushings on my mk4 years ago after going through several of the poly and rubber ones. I eventually removed the smaller bushing and replaced it with a solid aluminum piece no regrets since. I actually have a video in my youtube page show right after the install on a test drive im fine with the nvh and ride quality, i guess its comparable to rose joint mounts, Most of my noise back then came from my Tt coilovers being slammed.. ive since gone to lowering springs..

[@TrevorCazes]

did yall try it with just the upper and lower inserts? im wondering if the rubber isolator and spherical bushing on the 034 dogbone actually reduce some nvh that is introduced when using the stock DB

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s what I’m now running. Still some NVH but not as much as the whole bone

[@billabong3610]

Is Auto Repair Shorts allowed to post your old videos and clam them as his?

[@AgentOffice]

Have you installed the suspension harmonic damper

[@ErMz1984]

Hi Charles question do you think the callipers and router from the mk8 R will fit on the mk7.5 R or the router of the mk8 on the mk7.5 R🤔?

[@ChocolateFrog]

130Nm + 90 degrees seems like a lot for an engine mount.

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

Considering it's THE bolt holding all of that in place, nah... That's a helluva torque spec though!

[@krisrivera2301]

How does it fill shifting from 1st to 2nd now??

[@nicholasvonrhine6311]

Balance over rigidity with these upgrades.

[@mco599]

Are those 2 catalytic converters under the car?

[@Hedgehodge-]

I noticed it my mkiv because of the jenky cupholders and it looked like Jurassic Park after install lol, get used to it though. Just tell the wife it's a bonus feature Terrified to try the spherical one. Probably rides like a Harley afterwards

[@davidb7358]

😅

[@Jaco2k]

Is that pendulum mount/arm the same as the mk7 too? When I sold my car I kept it and if it fits, it surely spares me some money ;)

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep same!!! Just be sure to get the right variant

[@bretgtimk7968]

Im getting a chatter vibration which im thinking it is the inserts. Also do i need to jack up all four sides so the trans can swing a little if need be? Im installing this on my mk7 gti

[@busslayer4790]

Are there options beside 034 mount that are good? They seem to be out of stock at the moment.

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

BFI has an insert as well.

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

Mime is stock on an 07 Caddy and she's sweet

[@DuanDao]

Curious if the Mk8 side mirrors are the same as the MK7 wouldn't mind having that blind spot indicator on the mirror housing

[@HumbleMechanic]

It doesn’t seem so

[@hugovivas1265]

Hey bro what happened with the black r32 you was fixing???

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

good work

[@dorkultra]

would this help with the bucking motion that you get when starting off of the line or is that more of a 4motion engagement thing?

[@spinnetti]

Yep... that's the engine flopping around. This, and motor mounts makes it go away.

[@chrismay9930]

Question, I have a manual MK5 GTI. I think the dogbone bushing is bad but I'm unsure. When I leave it in gear and decelerate something knocks pretty hard and it is speed sensitive. The faster I'm going the faster the knocks and visa versa. It sounds and feels like it's coming from that area but how can I be sure that's it without dropping a ton of money into it as I am currently short on cash?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’d start with a visual inspection

[@chrismay9930]

@@HumbleMechanic I checked everything I could see. Motor mounts, axles, tie rods, ect. I have a polyurethane dogbone insert already however I think the insert is old and split. So if the insert was taking most of the force because the bushing was bad and now the insert is bad. I think that might cause the noise I'm getting.

[@vwgti8091]

Great videos @humblemechanic! Very informative. I have a 16 gti just went stage 2,dp,cai,turbo inlet and muffler delete gonna do intercooler soon. I noticed after getting the parts on and the tune done there's a weird click that sounds like it's coming from under the car in the middle maybe towards the engine more if that makes sense when accelerating or letting off the gas. Any idea what it could be? Or have you ever heard of anything like this before? It didn't make this noise before this. Could it be the stock pendulum is bad?

[@dominicanstig5196]

Hey man I own a 23" GTI and I’m also getting this weird clicking noise when engaging a gear or just sitting still with the clutch out. Did you ever find out what this noise was? Thanks

[@vwgti8091]

@dominicanstig5196 ya unfortunately the two bolts on the aftermarket downpipe came out somehow. Stupid I know but I went and got new bolts and it's been fine ever since. The bolts under the car that connect it to the sub frame. Hope that helps. Not sure if it's the same sound or same setup.

[@dominicanstig5196]

@@vwgti8091 Yeah mine in completely stock and about a week ago the car started to do a subtle but annoying clicking noise intermittently when going into gear or just sitting in neutral. Might just do a bolt check to see if that fixes the issue. Most MK8's have this same issue so I’m not too worried.

[@vwgti8091]

@dominicanstig5196 ah ok. Ya I don't know much about mk8. I honestly don't even drive mine all that much anymore. Let me know what you find if you remember. Good luck!

[@dominicanstig5196]

@@vwgti8091 Will do, thanks for the info!

[@alanburke76]

I’ve been thinking of this mod for my mk7 for a while. What’s the difference in just the upgraded dogbone? Instead of all together, just installing the dogbone?

[@StockDC2]

Hello! I realize that this video is for MK8s but I was just wondering, if I wanted to replace my timing chain and tensioner on an MK6, would I need to remove my upgraded pendulum mount? Thanks in advance!

[@HumbleMechanic]

IT will make moving the engine easier. Id pop the 2 16mm bolts out,

[@StockDC2]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks so much for the reply! I'll remove the 2 bolts!

[@JavierGomez-lh8uj]

Does stiffening up the car cause any negative effect in terms of more NVH being taken on?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Adds NVH. Mostly noticeable on deceleration and first take off

[@storm_iq]

بالعراق نسميها دچة الكير او دكة الجير 😅اختلاف ثقافات

[@danfleser4933]

does it work for the audi rs5 v8 2015?

[@eden4949]

I own a diesel and got a PU bushing from powerflex as I don't want too much vibration. Will report

[@syrconcrete6399]

does this also fit the 1.5 Tsi mk8 golf?

[@SoulSlayero]

Do you have the same video but for 19 ttrs?

[@HumbleMechanic]

No but it should be almost identical of a job

[@nickfoucha6946]

Hey Humble, subbed when I got my white 2022 Golf R. I have H&R springs ordered and I’m looking into wheel spacers to get the stock wheels flush. What size spacers would you recommend? Love the vids!

[@HumbleMechanic]

I think Paul and I found 11/15 to be just right

[@mickrob22]

So US/Can mk8 R have 2 cat like the Euro mk7.5 R ? weird that it sound good

[@autosport3081]

Do you recommend this upgrade for cars with diesel engine+DSG,like the Passat B7?

[@guku4163]

I installed 034 upper and lower on my mk7 tdi at 1K it was SO LOUD like a subwoofer vibrating the whole car. It has quieted down a little after around 200 miles, but still very audible.

[@obaisadayo6145]

How would this mod effect an automatic MK8 GTI? I do time attack and want to do some mods that help my times

[@HumbleMechanic]

Better traction is what most say.

[@clifbradley]

What I like to do is get one of my 15 year old son's socks from underneath his bed, and then I just put that under there. Yes sir. Nothing is as stiff as that and with a little JB Weld, it stays pretty good in there. Plus that way, it feels like I got all my little grandbabies in the car with me! (I only imagine Charles's face as he read that comment and going 'Ohhhh gross. Hopefully you wore gloves'. I mean it's not our usual Star Wars talk, but at least you laughed)

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

🤣🤣🤣

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha gross. Also accurate

[@jordonmiller6422]

🔥🔥

[@scirockalot8v]

I've pump the gaps in the oem bushing with 3m window weld. Hack...hack yes.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I did that on the S4 😂😂

[@goodeffects1503]

Is 034 a sponsor?

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

I don't think so...? Maybe. They sent him a bunch of Mk 7/7.5 parts to test for fitment on the Mk 8 platform.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Kinda. They asked me to see what mk7 stuff fits my mk8. So we are working through their stuff. 034 has been good friends of the show over the last few years

[@richarddean9306]

So what are you gonna go with on your car?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I played around with it. I have the 2 inserts in now. That’s probably what I’m going to stay with. Now if I have a track day, I may swap the whole mount back

[@pnwgentleman]

The order is: insert, stage 1, break factory dogbone, new dogbone.

[@shamirdaya]

Love the vids. Waiting to see if the ECU can be unlocked for tuning.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’m guessing it’s a ways out still 🥲

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

notification squad, Have a nice weekend!🔥🔥🔥

[@nhlanhlaradebe8]

Yeah, notifications squad. 🇿🇦