Non - GTI models
Removal
1 Remove the lower suspension arm from one side, as described in Section 6.

2 Unscrew the nut securing the remaining end of the anti-roll bar to the other suspension arm and recover the washer.

3 Unbolt the guide bar from the subframe (see illustration).

7.3 Anti-roll bar guide bar bolt (arrowed) on non-GTI models

4 Unscrew the mounting clamp bolts (see illustration) and withdraw the anti-roll bar over the subframe.

7.4 Anti-roll bar mounting clamp bolts (arrowed)

5 Examine the rubber bearings for damage and deterioration, and renew them if necessary. The bearings in the suspension arms can be prised or driven out.

Refitting
6 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but delay fully tightening the clamp bolts until the full weight of the car is on wheels. The guide bar bolts should also remain loosened until after the bearing clamp bolts have been tightened.

7 The guide bar length must be adjusted to the dimension shown when refitting (see illustration).

7.7 Cross-section of front suspension showing anti-roll bar guide dimension

X = 330.0 mm

Note that a full-circle clamp is fitted to early models with a 6.0 mm diameter anti-roll bar, whereas a split clamp is fitted to later models with a 7.0 mm diameter bar. On the later type, position the clamp centrally on the turned-back end of the bar before tightening the bolts.

GTI models
Removal
8 Chock the rear wheels then jack up the front of the car and support it on axle stands (see “Jacking and vehicle support”). Remove the front roadwheels.

9 Unscrew the self-locking nuts from the bottom of the link arms (see illustration) and if necessary use a separator tool to release the joints.

7.9 Anti-roll bar link arm bottom mounting on GTI models

10 Unscrew the bearing clamp bolts and withdraw the anti-roll bar over the subframe.

11 Unscrew the self-locking nuts from the tops of the link arms and remove the arms from the suspension struts, again using a separator tool if required.

12 Examine the rubber bearings for damage and deterioration and renew them if necessary. Check the balljoints on the link arms for excessive wear, and the rubber boots for any damage. The balljoints cannot be renewed separately, so if any damage is evident the complete link arm must be renewed.

13 The left-hand side anti-roll bar bearing incorporates a location ring and therefore the bearings must always be fitted to their correct sides. The left-hand bearing is colour-coded in grey or red and the right-hand bearing in yellow or white.

Refitting
14 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but delay fully tightening the mountings until the weight of the car is on its wheels.