Too much upward play in the suspension arms can have three causes:
The arms are too worn, which means you need to replace the arms, the front axle inner bushes are worn and can only be repaired with new bushes, or the outer needle bearings need replacing.
Before you start replacing needle bearings and/or bushings, check the condition of your front axle. assess whether all the work you're about to put into it is still worthwhile. New front axles (available only for Volkswagen Beetles and Karmann Ghias) are supplied with needle bearings and bushings.
If you want to sandblast the front axle, it's best not to take any chances with the needle bearings, as the risk of sand getting between them is very high. Dismantle the bearings before sandblasting, and fit new ones after thoroughly cleaning the front axle. Needle bearings and bushes should be removed using an internal bearing extractor long enough to reach the deeper internal bushes as well.
For handling perfectionists, the needle bearings and bronze bushes on most models can also be replaced by a unique material, urethane. Urethane bearings ensure that play has no chance. The assembly will continue to move smoothly, and urethane is also self-lubricating and virtually indestructible. If the urethane variant is available, this will be indicated in the "alternatives" tab.
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