Hi experts. The wifes 2004 54 Automatic polo 9n 1.4 'twist' failed the MOT on the large front, rear console bushes needing replacement. To cut a long story short I bought the romoval/insertion tool and set out to do it this weekend. I started on the drivers side and managed to get that side done, moving to the passenger side and this turned out to be a little more difficult as from what I can see the auto transmission box sits infront of the bolt on the passenger side. i have managed to successfully fully loosen the bolt but do not have the clearence to withdraw the bolt and thus remove the lower arm.

In the photo below (taken from the underside N/S or passenger side) one can see the loosened bolt but I'm not sure how to withdraw it, anybody had or overcome this issue before?

Many thanks indeed!

Edited 26 October, 201510 yr by Petehuws

Can you get a jack onto the gearbox mount and lift the engine up out of the way? Doesn't look like you'd need much.

Cheers kwijibo,I did think that and when I lift it with a jack it does add some clearence but not quite enough, I've also tried levering the box to the front to increase the gap but this too is non successful, I cant believe the design would be such that you can't easily get to the suspension arm to replace bushes, I keep scratching my head over it.

I'd have a go at removing some of the subframe -chassis bolts to see if it could be levered down at all to give the necessary clearance.

That and jacking the engine up might do the trick.

What about undoing the engine/gearbox mount to get more lift with the jack ?

Edited 26 October, 201510 yr by Polo3

Cheers Polo3, this I shall try, I'll have a look at the Haynes manual (although it's very poor in covering this model), to see where these mounts are. I'll try to see if I can get any more clearance. Many thanks again

Here's some info from the dealer manual 9N Front Wishbone RR.doc There is no mention of extra work required for the Auto box, If you look at this pic

I'd support the box on a trolley jack then remove item # 9 (under the battery tray) this should give you enough movement to jack the box up to clear the oil pan and remove the bolt :)

Item 9, thats the one

Nige, Polo3, this is great... Thank you both very much! I'll give it a try & report back. Kindest regards.

All done, Thank you both very much... I removed the gearbox top mount that sits underneath the battery box, I was then able to lift the engine & box to give the clearance, sorted it all out this evening & put it back together again. Many thanks Nige8021, & Polo3. All the best Pete..

Cool ! good work