I wonder how many upper control arm bushings are being damaged during spot
welding?

I've replace the bushings twice and each time I've asked a very highly
recommended classic VW shop to do the minimum spot welding as to minimize
the amount of heat the rubber and teflon (or whatever) components would be
subjected to.  Each time there were several fairly large spot welds, in my
opinion, and what appeared to be significant damage to the bushings.  Each
time there wasn't much I could do so I installed the bushings, making sure
the appropriate shims were in place so excessive pressure was not created by
the large mounting bolt.  Each time they were squeaking and clunking after
~5K miles.

Do others think the bushings are being destroyed by excessive welding heat?

If anyone has had a good experience with control arm bushing replacement,
please let us know and indicate how large the welding spots were.  Were
special precautions made to reduce the amount and duration of heat in the
welding process?  Any other suggestions?

What brand of bushings have people had good experiences with?

Thanks all,

Ed