In this DIY, we will learn how to properly install aftermarket dogbone mount bushings. Dogbone bushings are advertised to reduce wheel-hop, provide better traction as well as prevent aftermarket downpipes from rubbing. There are many companies that offer replacement bushings, each have different durometer ratings (how stiff they are). The higher the rating, the more stiff = more vibrations. I decided to go with Black Forest Industries Stage 1 mounts that have a rating of 65a (compared to ~50a for stock). After the installation, I will discuss how effective they really are, and also, back-up my conclusion with real-world tests. Enjoy!

BFI Stage 1 inserts


Tools needed :
- Torque wrench
- Jack (hopefully not the factory widowmaker!) & a jackstand
- 16mm (5/8") socket
 - 13mm (1/2") socket
 - WD40 or similar spray






Last updated July 15, 2009

Next section: Removal

Step 1: Place your jack under your car and raise the car until you have enough room to work with.






Step 2: Use jackstands to keep the car elevated. Place a jack or jackstand underneath the subframe to hold it in place. Your setup should be similar to this optimally:






Step 3: There are 4 bolts that hold the dogbone mount to the engine. Use WD40 or a similar penetrating spray to help the bolts come out easier. Remove the two 13mm, red circled bolts that are connected to the subframe, and the two 16mm, blue circled bolts that are connected to the bottom of the transmission.








Step 4: You should be left with a dogbone mount and 4 bolts as seen below.

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Step 1: Remove the 16mm bolt on the top of the mount.







Step 2: After removing the 16mm bolt, remove the pieces from top to bottom. Keep track of the compression nut. The disassembled mount appears below, the stock black bushings will be replaced with the aftermarket inserts.






• Inserting aftermarket inserts:
Step 1: Slide the smaller, bottom insert over the rod of the bottom piece while lining up the ridge. Some grease can be used to help the piece slide easier.




Step 2: Slide the larger metal cover over the bottom insert. Slide the remaining insert into its place by correctly aligning it with the top ridges.






Step 3: Slide the outer metal cover on top of the top insert. Align the 16mm bolt into the center of the mount. Place the compression nut in its slot.




Step 4: Fasten the mount to a vice or a device that will keep it stationary. Align the compression nut on the bottom and compress the mount so that it catches. You can use your body weight, a vice, or pliers. Torque the compression nut to 20 Nm (15ft-lbs) + 1/4 turn.








Step 5: Your dogbone mount is now completely assembled, isn't it pretty? :D

Previous section: Removal Next section: Reinstall

Step 1: Re-align the dogbone mount and install the bolts. Torque the two 13mm, red circled bolts that go into the subframe 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs), plus an additional 1/4 turn. Torque the two 16mm, blue circled that go into the bottom of the transmission 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs), plus an additional 1/4 turn.







Step 2: The dogbone install is now complete! The install took my friends and I about 1 hour going at a smooth, steady and slow pace. Carefully lower your jack and test drive your car!

Previous section: Inserts Next section: Conclusion

First impressions: You've just finished installing the mounts and you are probably anxious / nervous, or at least I was. I started the car expecting severe vibrations, however, this was not the case! The difference in idle vibration was not apparent. However, the car does vibrate a little at idle with the AC on. It also vibrates a bit as you are start rolling in first gear from 1000-2000 RPMS - however, this would also be the case with the stock mounts because the car is "bogging". Just be sure to give it a little more gas as you let the clutch out.


Driving test: At first I just drove the car slow to warm up. I noticed the shifting was a little smoother / crisp. Once the car was warm, my buddy and I headed to some straight streets. I was rolling in first, at about 15 or so MPH, and then I just slammed the gas. Before the mounts there would be a massive amount of wheelhop that would feel very annoying and rough. With the new inserts, the car just pulled so much smoother and harder. Although you aren't gaining any power, you will definitely notice better acceleration due to the fact that more power will be transferred to the ground. This is the best 30 dollars I have ever spent on any of my cars! The price tag is definitely justified, your MK4 will pull so much smoother and harder without succumbing to wheelhop.


Summary: By far the best $30 I have ever spent! Great product from BFI!


Real world test / comparison video:

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