What it Takes to Fix a $9,000 R32 Before Driving 1,200 Miles

I bought a worn out R32 that needs some repairs. We are replacing the R32 suspension, R32 brakes, Headlights, and a bunch of other goodies before making the trip to Tail of the Dragon. R32 prices are wild right now, but overall this wasn't a bad deal. Will we get it done? Will it make it to wookies? Will it make it to Texas? Find out all that today. :)
MK4 R32 Playlist ~ • MK4 R32 Rehabilitatio...
Wookies in the Woods ~ www.wookiesinthewoods.com
Black Forest Technik ~ blackforesttechnik.com
~~~~ Recommended Tools ~~~~
Impact driver ~ amzn.to/2HsxS2H
Small Impact driver ~ amzn.to/2DZdsMN
Electric ratchet ~ amzn.to/2FydxMS
Magnetic tray ~ amzn.to/2FEpQ6g
Basic hand tools ~ amzn.to/2GnjF7K
Box wrench set ~ amzn.to/2FzoJch
ScrewDriver set ~ amzn.to/2FEjcgd
Shop towels ~ amzn.to/2FC7UgM
Torque Wrench ~ amzn.to/2I7ke5h
Allen Sockets ~ amzn.to/2GlcnAz
Torx Sockets ~ amzn.to/2pL0SfL
Filmed and Edited by Eli Pastura
~~~~ Playlists ~~~~
Humble Mechanic Podcasts ~ • The Humble Mechanic Po...
Project White Wookie ~ • MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car
Failed VW parts videos ~ • How VW Parts Fail
Tool and Product Reviews ~ • Tool and Product Reviews
How To videos ~ • How To Fix Your Car
MK1 VR6 Swap Videos ~ • VR6 Engine Swap MK1 Ca...
~~~~ Be sure to follow me at ~~~~
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INSTAGRAM ~ / humblemechanic
FACEBOOK ~ / humblemechanic
TWITTER ~ / humblemechanic
Amazon Store ~ www.amazon.com/shop/humblemec...
disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hope you guys enjoyed something a little different. This video has a lot different feel for me than "normal" videos. What are your thoughts? I always want to be sure I give you guys the content you want..

[@ibrahimakram632]

For me, any of your content is good content.

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@ibrahimakram632 THANK YOU! We wanted this video to have more of a "hanging out in the shop with Charles" vibe to it. I hope it delivered.

[@TheAndyMitch]

I appreciate the r32 stuff because they’re older cars and make for more restoration content instead of newer cars which don’t always need much. Bring on the black one and the fun stuff you have planned for your blue one!

[@r32guy10]

Good price for the r32. Nowadays!

[@paulr9627]

I am typically a critical viewer. If nothing is new or inspiring, I give no response or even a thumbs down. Here was a good "in depth" refresh of a good car. I loved it! Plus Charles didn't scream too much into the mic... a pleasure to my ears. Shouting loud DOES NOT increase the quality of your content (Charles and a few other KZbinrs...) :-)

[@LynxStarAuto]

To me, still one of the best looking Golfs/GTI's ever made.

[@ischwhit6747]

Mk4 best generation

[@eponymous7910]

Definitely the best interior

[@lahaya237]

Mk3 vr6 is a favorite for me but the older they get the more i like the mk4

[@zerofuckkksgiven8027]

It is

[@lukashodgson]

The last one before declining quality and cost-cutting

[@Xpp.]

I still don’t understand why i come home from work doing this kind of stuff all day …… load up KZbin and watch someone do it 😂 ….. Charles is actually good to watch ! The bearded VW guru !

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah I appreciate it

[@michaelbeale3603]

As a LONG suffering MK4 and VR owner, the previous tutorial style video's have been invaluable to me for a long time so thank you sir, please keep them coming BUT... given most of the stuff in this video was covered in-depth in previous videos it was good to see you switched it up, this one had a more relaxed vibe - kinda felt like we were in the shop with you. Excellent content and editing as usual, really enjoyed it.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks for the feedback. It’s always a tough balance.

[@pking6021]

That's my all-time favorite stock golf wheel.

[@HumbleMechanic]

its one of about 3 wheels that are proper for the R32

[@peacems]

@@HumbleMechanic Great looking OEM wheels, but damn heavy. I have a set of OZ Superleggera that look great on the R32.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

5:30 Pro tip: if you have properly rusted parts, start to put the rust removal lubrication as a daily routine for a week before you're attempting to take the thing apart. The rust removal oils (even the high quality really thin oil) will need lots of time to soak the whole thread if there's a lot of rust. The parts will come off much easier if you have oil for the whole thread (including the whole part inside the nut). And do not brute force rusted bolts with extra high torque. Use some tool that does hammering (e.g. air hammer) or apply a hammer to a tight box wrench while applying sensible torque. The hammering breaks the rust without snapping the bolt. Applying heat helps too but be careful not to set things in fire.

[@FluePeak]

Kind of hard to do if you work on a tight deadline.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

@@FluePeak If you have to work with properly rusted stuff, you either break things or have pretty lax deadline.

[@FluePeak]

@@MikkoRantalainen Yeah, i meant in this video as he said he was working on a tight deadline. Recently did work on my moms peugot 407. The brakes were rusted trough, not fun and time consuming to work on.

[@JaredSVX]

It is good to see a professional struggle with working on cars... Helped my dad do the brakes on his pick up and it took us 30mins just to get one of the wheels off 😒

[@monkey555500]

loved watching all that work...inspiring me to give my car some tlc

[@BMPTuning]

Thank you so much again for the help in finding a dream car and getting it ready for our trek back to Dallas!!! You'll see it again soon :D

[@aidan.o5919]

In love with the r32 videos Charles, I wish there was more of these cars that came around for you to work on

[@HumbleMechanic]

I have a ton of r32 content! :) and more coming soon

[@ericpullen524]

It cracks me up every time you say "This car is old" from someone who has owned so many MK1s and MK2s! I love working on MK4s, because I am usually like this car is so much newer. Current MK1 owner and MK6 owner.

[@HumbleMechanic]

LOL remember I started at the dealer when they were new.. a 20yr old car is an old car. :P

[@ericpullen524]

@@HumbleMechanic Touché Charles, thanks for all the Vag-Com info. Learned more in the last couple years then I did in the past 20 on my own.

[@bryan2ruiz]

This makes me want to buy a Mk4 again and actually work on it. But money be such an issue.

[@rudolfopadilla535]

Great content Charles, I always look forward to your videos.

[@TheAndyMitch]

Great to see some r32 action again! Excited to see the black beast come together.

[@HumbleMechanic]

ME TOO!!! Luckily this 1.8t TT I have now is filling the gap nicely

[@dameagerbeaver7703]

It’s a love-hate content for me. More awareness on my dream car makes it way less obtainable and stuck in the vacuum of the dream. I couldn’t afford one a year after they came out and got a 1.8T GTI. Still rocking it 17 years later. Unfortunately, by the time I hand build my house and garage they will be $30k cars with 200k. Looks like AWD big turbo for the GTI is more reasonable bang for the buck.

[@yeahitskimmel]

This is exactly the kind of content you were making when I first subscribed and is prob my favorite, gives MCM vibes

[@KamionKing]

Thanks for all you do for our community, Charles! ❤️

[@kylefleming1412]

Best video in some time Charles. Love watching you wrench. Can’t wait for more R32 content!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much

[@nbrowser]

Charles, ever since you left the usual 9 to 5 thing a while back...I've noticed you've become more and more fun to watch was the time has passed since and it's for the better. While not the biggest VW fan myself watching you fiddle with them and having fun is entertaining! Never stop having that fun man.

[@wesbez6226]

Love your KZbin videos. Keep up the good work.

[@louisg9058]

Best Channel on KZbin. This is going to help me alot along with your other videos. Thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

[@mattlennox7762]

What a great video! Awesome work Charles

[@SuperBad850]

Loved the video, Charles.

[@patkelly7999]

Fantastico, Great job Charles and Eli👌👍🙂

[@tygastfield613]

As an owner of a MK4 R32, I love seeing any videos about these cars. Keep up the great work.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you! hopefully mine is back from body shop soon so we can get that big turbo boy on it.

[@v1kng99]

You also are close to your original alignment speed by breaking the nut before hand and you can count threads if you do inner tie Rod’s. Great video. Didn’t see About your counting threads till later lol.

[@scottday2939]

Great stuff man! Love it.

[@ivanjovanovic362]

Best content hands down! Can't wait for your R32

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@danielmiller6983]

The MK4 r32 is my favorite, I love the body style and miss my 04 GTI.. great content as always

[@RedondoBeach2]

My daily driver is the '04 GTI VR6 I bought new in '04. Only owner. Only driver. Great car, but soon I'll need to buy another car just to put the GTI in the garage for extensive preventative maintenance. Afterwards, I hope to get another 150K miles from the car.

[@rtbworks5634]

I was with them while taking part in the Meigs Falls cruise Friday of WITW. Love this content.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Nice!!!

[@zaki_taz]

Great video, Its like a motivational video to get some work done on my car 👍

[@ZigArrok55]

Of all the mechanics I've seen, the ones I know, the "dudes who work on cars" that I know, Charles you are the only person I would ever trust with my car other than myself. And I'm not that great of a mechanic. I can do stuff. Slowly. And probably not right. I would love to be able to have you do pretty much anything on my car. Just got told by my dealership I need injectors and thermostat housing on my mk7 GTI. They want 3300 for that. Plan on doing it myself thanks to your videos. Still, would give an arm and a leg to be able to have you do it. Thanks for all your videos and all you do man. You're part of the reason I've gotten so into VW stuff.

[@jpvanderwalt5936]

Love the mk4 R32, and deep blue pearl looks great!

[@The_Faceless_Chad]

I really miss MK4’s ! Such fun cars to drive and work on.

[@toothferrin]

Good trick with the 1/4” extension. You learned me somethin new today

[@allanransom8518]

LACES OUT!!! I had to come back a few times to watch it in parts but I did enjoy this one.

[@OzMechanics]

Charles love the editing brother!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

DUDE!!! great to see you in comments. Hope you and the fam are well

[@OzMechanics]

@@HumbleMechanic finally getting some free time to watch some videos. My one month old is keeping me busyy

[@peter-pg5yc]

I used to love vws, sun bug pirella cn36 tires black trim recaro like seats, first 1982 gti rabbit ran bullet proof drive train, corado vr6 lousy shifter (plunger shifter with cables)and rear visability but what a car.. vr6 golf fixed shifter but screwed up handling oversteer. rattles headliner removed 2 times, rad failed, window motor failed rand a appliance in nj stated beat it hard from new 10 year warranty(let it set up loose)..So i did and it ran fantastic..Dirito bros walnut creek stated best running car they ever drove.. Transfered overseas 2nd time and well a free camary for 5 years zero problems..a vw never ever did that,.. I never bought another one...wiffy had a passat with fing wind noise, squeeky brakes rattles.. Me Toyoda is bullet proof.. I gotta save time for my 79 280sl.. Its nice to turn key and go... But my 1982 gti ran 10 years never touched motor or trans.. The compression was like new.. But it was a needy car.. I miss them not got better things to do..

[@kingofcavell1620]

Loving the Golf content 👍🏻

[@RickGTI2019]

Nice work, hands of gold. Thanks, RickGTI…..😎🌴

[@AngrySkipperGC]

Don't own a car, am not a mechanic, but service my own vehicles. Love the content. Always interesting to watch.

[@HumbleMechanic]

thank you

[@ZylonFPV]

I really liked this video, and I can’t believe you got all that done in a day! That’s crazy.

[@MrPhilkite]

Another great video! You should also add Audi TT in your tag lines since it has the identical suspension. I just finished changing the brakes, struts, CV boots and rack boots on my TT today.

[@mogamatganiefsulaiman9753]

Hi just love your show . I'm learning so much. Ten thumbs up

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@jessyradcliff5018]

Thanks for these videos their so insightful and im learning my way around these cars i have an 08 mk5 gti and am struggling to make it great i bought it for 2 grand and an 01 ninja the cars a mess but i fell in love with it and it has potential i admire what you do with these vehicles wish i had help from someone as knowledgeable as you are with these vehicles keep up the good work

[@chrisparr3516]

Absoultly loved this episode, not a VAG fan tbh but really enjoy your videos. Keep it going 🙂

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@JasonsLabVideos]

Wicked job, and love these R32's..

[@gabrielmargea8903]

keep up the good work👍

[@jhuntosgarage]

Excellent series! Thanks for sharing!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hey J!!! How are ya man

[@jayburrell]

Great video enjoying this content 👍

[@HumbleMechanic]

THANK YOU!

[@autovagauto6329]

Amazing job

[@sk8too2]

This is one of my favorite videos, it’s DIY ish. But it’s more fun to just watch you vibing and wrenching on a car. Love the DIY’s, but this was fun to just watch you work.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!!!

[@royson345]

Great video! Cool to see how you tackle certain things and go about your day in the shop! I have a ton of suspension work to do on my MK5 GTI, I wish I had a lift to make my life easier haha. More videos like this please!

[@TheFrmnz]

I've renewed most of the suspension on my MK5, most shops will not press out my front control arms because of the slight angle. One did but I need to figure out what to do with the second, I'm considering buying an air gun and popping in/out a new one. My friends cheap press didn't work out

[@royson345]

@@TheFrmnz yes those front control arms can be a hassle. They are cheap enough to just get news one with new bushes already installed.

[@TheFrmnz]

@@royson345 if only my dumbass researched better...I bought all the replacement bushings then i realized new control arms were maybe $20 more...big rip

[@westonfields4320]

Brew up a mug of that Christian crank and change out the struts and all the suspension bushings. Change oil in haldex . Ball joints inner outter tie rods . Corner balancing the coil setup! Have fun ! 🤩

[@LightningStrike50]

Really enjoyed this video. I work in the industry (Firestone) and really have a soft spot for VW/Audi vehicles. I enjoy your sense of humor, and you seem like you would be a great boss to work for, so the longer "hanging out in the shop" time is cool. Any chance you would take a late 20's fledgling MN tech under your wing?? :) Looking forward to seeing the wookies content this year!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you! and... maybe one day :)

[@TheMdr1995]

Bought mine for 9,500 back in 2015, now I drive it about 2-4 times a month. Just hit over 200k last week but the engine is still going strong 💪🏽 love it to death.

[@ianatkinson8464]

Loved the video😎👍

[@mattbaird5467]

I got a 2012 golf r and your videos makes me wanna put new parts on everyday. I need a friend like you to pay to do all the upgrades I want to do

[@mikebeardmore1685]

Great to see some more mk4 R32 content. Interesting the 4 wheel drive not working. This is becoming a big problem for Gen 1 Haldex owners ie. Mk4 golf, mk1 TT etc. Would love to see some content on workarounds or mods.

[@sonsrc1326]

Sweet more mk4 r32 stuff love it I’ve got two of them I watch u for more ideas 👍👌🏻

[@HumbleMechanic]

NICE!!!

[@Mk7.5shelby]

Too bad it snowed most of the time but it was so fun ! Humble mechanic is the sweetest guy ever he walked like a mile to my car to take a picture

[@HumbleMechanic]

:) He was even more excited when he found out the amazing news!! SO happy for you guys. Also why am I talking liek this. HAHA weird

[@Mk7.5shelby]

@@HumbleMechanic already talked about maybe getting married at wookies you are definitely invited 🤣

[@Pjmperez01]

This is awesome!

[@timstoof3201]

yess the TT project is started

[@thebeast_valdivia5292]

YEEEEEEES!!! The 3.2 rebuild is coming back!!!

[@GooGz]

My sister owned a blue 04 R32 she was the original owner, it was the only Vw I ever really liked. Car sounded amazing, it had a Eip exhaust system I believe.

[@davidpaulsen449]

At 10:55 where you're pressing that out, I was doing that same job on that same HF press and it popped and it hurt my wrist. I didn't go get it looked at for a few months and it turns out I fractured my scaphoid, half the bone has lost blood and died, and now I've got dead bones they have to remove that'll turn my hand into a "simple hinge" to quote my surgeon and the literature. Just my broad advice to everyone that if you CAN see a Dr. about something, it's worth doing. Especially with hands and eyes. Love these vids!

[@KRAMPUS_G60_16V]

My favourite R32 is MKIV, this one still needs lots kf work but this already was awesome! 😁

[@vwkris]

Love this kind of content!!

[@sinediss]

same... mostly bcs ive got R32 in A3 body (so golf V R32) and these things can help.. had same problem with the bolt near oil pan :D so yea, i learn a lot

[@KMFDM781]

Love the Rainman Ray callbacks!

[@abdullahmohammed2955]

U r my role model i wish to be like u ❤❤ i really do appreciate ur hard work, greetings from egypt

[@shemmo]

woow, can't remember when the last time I've seen 40 mins. video from you 😍

[@kennethd7048]

Probably one of your best videos yet. I enjoy watching even though I don't care for VW'S.. I'm a Volvo snob.. I guess..

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol thanks so much for that

[@ErikTheVikingMechanic]

Nice work

[@richardreyna2453]

Love the VR content! Please keep it coming. The new 4cyl turbo stuff is ok but not as interesting. Horsepower is too easy with the new generation engines.

[@TheTrex600ESP]

I Have been waiting a looong time for your engine to be finish!

[@HumbleMechanic]

SAME!!! Now to be fair, the engine is mostly done HAHA . its the rest of the car. But im hoping the car is back early summer, and we can get it going again. I got a lot of parts ready to roll. Also by then the TT should be sold. so we will have space to plan the next project

[@TheTrex600ESP]

@@HumbleMechanic Looking forward to this!

[@zxggwrt]

Thank you this is my favorite car plus my favorite mechanic!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@8gti9]

I enjoyed the video! Thnx

[@HumbleMechanic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tdj5245]

I never realized how southern of a mechanic Charles was before this video! ;)

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah I spent my car repair career in NC. I grew up in the Midwest. So I know rust enough to not want to deal with it 😂

[@kapsalonalona3763]

I like to watching you. I learn a lot!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks

[@Big_daddy_1170]

Great video. Almost a restoration

[@EvansCon40]

MK4 ❤️ Some day I will get to my VR6 GLI 😔

[@jh-ky5uu]

This reminds me of my marathons I’ve had to do on my 180k mile Mk5 R. My RF corner was easily the worst, especially since it came from CO and had some MagChloride corrosion.

[@dorkultra]

i would have sworn a lot more than you lol, awesome service video, i like this format

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah I did

[@razvanciurez]

Love it! Great job! I would love you to take a look at my Polo GTI (aw1), unfortunately I'm in Europe.

[@Steebyn]

I just did both left and right side front corners on my Mk4 Jetta GLX minus control arms. Fun times XD

[@skylinefever]

I had an MKIV Jetta 1.8T, so that generation will always be special to me. I want an Evo X because there won't be another one like it. That way I can't dream about the latest one. A few years ago, I explained that I loved the 300ZXTT because it was the last turbocharged Nissan Z. Then one year ago, everything changed. Good thing my dream of having a 300ZXTT ended a long time ago. I suppose the MKIV and MKV could be considered the last of a kind, since they replaced the VR6 with a turbo 4. When working auto repair, some guys didn't realize that they were working with an AWD car. The guys asked me "What's the point of the R32?" My explanation was "Imagine loving the WRX and Evo. However, they are too hardcore for your daily driver, so you want a cushier suspension and a soft interior. Also, the all or nothing turbo lag of a rally car might be annoying, so you trade horsepower for ease of driving by having a 6-cylinder NA engine." They guys saw the idea and got the point, even if those cars weren't their cup of tea. I worked in repair shops that were not specialty shops, so VW enthusiasts weren't common. However, there were plenty of people who liked the WRX and Evo, or at least knew a good amount of stuff about them.

[@thewizard8951]

awsome r32 master!

[@DesolationTech]

40 minutes of humblemechanic? you betcha im watching it all!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you 🙏

[@SebastianBlix]

@36:40 "We got a big aaaa big ole vacuum leak..." We know what you meant Charles. The kids might not know but we know 🤣 #keepinitG #RatedG

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahahha I think it’s pretty obvious I swear. Like a LOT! But I never want a parent to feel like they can’t watch with the kiddo because of it.

[@kemer1977]

No joke about those control arm captive nuts. Was replacing the control arms on my daughter's mkIV Jetta 2.slow. Used the air gun to get the bolts off. Sure enough the captive nut popped off. Had to take it to a buddy's shop to cut an access hole, weld the nut back in, and weld the subframe back on. Expensive mistake for sure. Should've just used hand tools on those. Live and learn I guess.

[@glenwoods9837]

Great video Charles. I'd like to see on on how to diagnose and fix the AWD that isn't (wasn't?) working. This seems to be a common issue with the GEN 1 Haldex ans something I'm having an issue with at the moment.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You might get lucky on this one. Hahah no idea if the TT works

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Bravo, Charles! Laces out, Dan! 😹

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha thanks

[@danieloshaughnessy8476]

Good video to see how a professional works with a positive attitude throughout the process. Car work is 95% mental and 5% physical. Two monkey wrenches works great for tie rod end nuts btw. Also when I tell my wife a time it will take for a job, she will double it because she has learned by now nothing ever goes as it should!

[@Tmjpwns]

To save you a little work, go by Wurth and grab a set of tapchucks (M3-M8 and M5-M12) Allows you to use it with either a 1/4" ratchet(+extensions) or a 13mm socket/wrench etc.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

I'd recommend doing VCDS autoscan in the background while you're doing other stuff to the car. That gets you fault codes for all parts and also collects all currently used coding so you get almost complete backup as a side-effect. That 4WD issue would have probably shown up in the fault codes.

[@rdellota]

This episode is pure gold I hope you make more videos like this. Please make video on vw electrical and canbus troubleshooting and diagnostics. God bless you

[@MikkoRantalainen]

14:00 I once replaced totally jammed tie rod end in an old Saab. I had to cut it open up to the threads on two sides with an angle grinder and it still took two men hanging in the wrench to get it to turn. The thread looked fine so it was just rust that caused it to stay stuck. Getting that tie rod off took maybe 2-3 hours in DIY environment.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ooffff

[@curvs4me]

Sway bar, control arm, and stressed bushing parts. You can take a measurement from the hub to the top of the wheelwells and just jack the uprights to the original measurement on the ground. No tightening twice and no rolling back and forth.

[@ttrs_8j_ss494]

I cut the old plug off and refit the plug with a staple inside to bridge the connection with no loose cable (pad ware sensor) 😎

[@maveric0738]

Great vid as always Charles. Just some parts of your video could have used more lightning. I have the same suspension on mine and let me say wow.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks for the feedback. WE had some lighting issues on this one for sure.