If you're upgrading or refreshing the suspension on your MK7 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R, or Audi S3, you've likely come across Deutsche Auto Parts. They offer a wide range of suspension hardware, but with so many options, it's easy to get lost. This guide explains exactly what each piece of hardware does, so you can order the right parts for your build.
Control Arms and Their Hardware
Front Lower Control Arms
The front lower control arm connects the wheel hub to the subframe. On the MK7, the stock control arm uses a fluid-filled bushing on the rear mount and a solid ball joint at the wheel end. Aftermarket options from brands like SuperPro, 034Motorsport, and Whiteline replace the rubber bushing with polyurethane or spherical bearings. This reduces deflection during cornering and braking, improving steering response. When buying from Deutsche Auto Parts, you'll see complete arms with bushings pressed in, or just the bushings themselves. If your stock ball joints are worn, consider a complete arm assembly.
Rear Upper Control Arms
The MK7 uses a multi-link rear suspension. The rear upper control arm (sometimes called a toe arm) adjusts rear toe. Stock arms have rubber bushings that can deflect under load. Adjustable aftermarket arms allow you to set toe precisely, especially if you've lowered the car. Deutsche Auto Parts sells adjustable arms from 034Motorsport and SuperPro. They come with high-durometer bushings or spherical bearings. For a street car, polyurethane is fine; for track use, consider spherical.
Rear Lower Control Arms
Also known as the lower trailing link, this arm affects the rear camber curve. While the MK7 has limited rear camber adjustment from the factory, aftermarket lower control arms with eccentric bushings or adjustable ball joints can add more camber for better cornering. Look for options that maintain NVH levels similar to stock.
Sway Bars and End Links
Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars)
Sway bars reduce body roll by connecting the left and right suspension. A thicker bar increases roll stiffness without affecting spring rate. Deutsche Auto Parts offers front and rear bars from H&R, 034Motorsport, and Eibach. For the MK7, a common upgrade is a 24mm or 26mm front bar and a 22mm or 24mm rear bar. If you're daily driving, avoid going too stiff—a 22mm front and 20mm rear is a balanced approach. Note that many aftermarket bars come with mounting hardware and bushings, but you may need to grease them periodically.
Sway Bar End Links
End links connect the sway bar to the control arm or strut. Stock end links use plastic ball joints that can wear out, especially with a lowered car. Upgraded end links from 034Motorsport or SuperPro use metal spherical bearings or polyurethane bushings. They are usually adjustable in length to correct geometry when lowering the car. When ordering, check if they are for the front or rear and whether your sway bar is stock or aftermarket. Many end links are compatible with both, but it's worth confirming.
Strut Mounts and Bearings
Front Strut Mounts
The front strut mount sits at the top of the strut assembly. On the MK7, it includes a bearing that allows the strut to rotate with steering. Worn mounts cause clunking noises and vague steering. Upgraded mounts from 034Motorsport or Bilstein use higher durometer rubber or spherical bearings for sharper response. Some, like the 034Motorsport density mounts, are a direct replacement and reduce NVH only slightly. For track use, consider camber-adjustable mounts that add up to 1.5 degrees of front camber.
Rear Shock Mounts
Rear shock mounts attach the shock to the body. Stock mounts are rubber and can sag over time, causing noise. Aftermarket mounts like those from SuperPro use polyurethane to firm up the rear end. If you're replacing shocks, it's a good idea to replace these mounts as well.
Subframe and Differential Hardware
Subframe Bushing Inserts
On the MK7, the rear subframe is attached via four large rubber bushings. Under hard acceleration, these bushings allow the subframe to move, which can cause wheel hop. Subframe bushing inserts (solid aluminum or polyurethane) fill the voids in the stock bushings to reduce movement. They do not require removing the subframe—you just jack the car and slide them in. Deutsche Auto Parts sells inserts from 034Motorsport, SuperPro, and TyrolSport. Solid aluminum inserts transfer more vibration; polyurethane is a middle ground.
DSG/Differential Mount Inserts
Similar concept for the transmission mount—inserts reduce slop in the drivetrain. They are cheap and easy to install, but they do increase cabin noise. If you have a manual transmission, you might also consider a short shifter or heavy shift knob from same site.
Bolts, Nuts, and Fastener Kits
When you replace control arms or sway bars, you often need new mounting bolts because of stretch bolts or corrosion. Deutsche Auto Parts offers hardware kits that include all necessary bolts, nuts, and washers for a specific job. For example, a front control arm hardware kit includes the three bolts that attach the arm to the subframe and the two ball joint pinch bolts. These kits save you from making separate trips to the hardware store. Always use new bolts when installing suspension components—many are torque-to-yield and should not be reused.
Practical Buying Guidance
Match Parts to Your Goals
If you're building a daily driver that sees some spirited driving, stick with polyurethane bushings and stock-style sway bars. For track days, go with spherical bearings and adjustable arms. If you're on a budget, start with sway bars and end links—you'll feel a big difference without breaking the bank.
Check Compatibility
MK7 suspension is mostly interchangeable between GTI, Golf R, and Audi S3, but some parts like front control arms differ slightly between FWD and AWD models. Always verify fitment on the product page or contact Deutsche Auto Parts support.
Installation Difficulty
Control arms and sway bars are intermediate-level jobs. You'll need basic tools plus a torque wrench, jack stands, and possibly a spring compressor for struts. Subframe inserts are easier—a floor jack and some muscle.
Final Recommendation
For a well-rounded MK7 suspension upgrade, start with a set of front and rear sway bars from 034Motorsport or H&R (24mm front, 22mm rear) and their corresponding adjustable end links. Add subframe bushing inserts to reduce wheel hop. If you have the budget, replace the front lower control arms with 034Motorsport's density arms for better steering feel. This combination transforms the car's handling without killing ride comfort on the street. Always buy hardware kits to ensure you have the right bolts.
Deutsche Auto Parts makes it easy to find these components by grouping them under suspension hardware. Use the guide above to identify exactly what each part does, and you'll be on your way to a sharper, more responsive MK7.