VW Golf Mk4 - Big ends - topbidz
Is it possible to replace the big end bearing shells on a VW Mk4 1400cc from below without engine removal?
VW MK4 Big ends - Big John
If? the big ends have failed then other things will not be far behind, ie main bearings, oil pump etc..

Probably the hardest thing could be the removal of the exhaust front down pipe and cat that routes under the sump and then over a subframe. If the main bearings have gone you will probably need a replacement short engine as 1.4 block will warp if the main bearing are removed without bracing the block.

Are you sure its the big ends?
VW MK4 Big ends - topbidz
Forgot to mention Golf in the title. {Now added - DD} Has done about 60K.Sounds like it big ends to me.Its my sons car & he hasnt checked his oil level for ages,the oil light came on as he was driving and it started knocking.He checked the level,it was just below minimum so he topped up & limped home.
We just want to get the car through the next few months,if we can do that my changing the bearing shells he'd be happy,just didnt know if we could do it without engine removal.
VW MK4 Big ends - Screwloose
topbidz

What's the three-letter engine code? If it's burning oil to that extent at 60K then it's got more fundamental problems than just bearing shells. How much oil was reqired to bring it to full?
VW MK4 Big ends - jc2
It's a VW; they all use oil.
VW MK4 Big ends - Collos25
Look underneath if you can drop the sump then you can change the bearings but I doubt it.