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Ok, I see it in the Shop manual on how to remove the spring plate to replace the bushings but I cannot find the special tools - tensioner nor the protactor. So, how do you do it? Can I use a large C clamp to maintain the tension as the spring plate is removed? Could I just chaulk or scribe the position of the plate instead of the protractor procedure? Or just play it safe and replace only the outer bushing, thus eliminating the dangerous job of pulling the spring plate?

It doesn't look like a very fun job and I'm sure there is enough swing tension in the torsion bar to swing that plate around and make me an amputee of whatever limb happens to be in the way when it pops off the stop plate.

Has anyone replaced these bushings before?

tooter

Replacing the bushings is a tough job that requires the right set up and location to perform. It is a $200 labor cost at most old school VW shops plus parts. I would replace stock parts wiht Urethane bushings and tons of teflon grease. The procedure for this process is listed on our Vee Wike Thing web page. To simply replace bushings and set the spring plate back to stock setting is not so tough. It does require a good set up ans careful attention to safety. I can offer more specific procedural data if you are considering doing this procedure yourself.