Torsion Bar Removal w/ Condenser in Fenderwell

[Quasimoto]

My car has the Griffiths Fenderwell Condensers, and I am now considering a suspension refresh.

Anyone know if it is it possible to remove the Spring Plates and Torsion Bar without disconnecting the Condenser?

[boyt911sc]

I would say yes but it would help if you post a picture of the fender well. People does not know the exact location of your AC condenser but in most cases, you could get the torsion bar out.

Tony

[Quasimoto]

Thanks!

It's fairly close quarters, and the hoses don't have much slack.

Unfortunately, this is the best pic I have right now.

[David Inc.]

The hoses are probably clamped in place by little bolt-in clips. Remove those and you'll have more slack and freedom to move the condenser around.

Interesting setup with the quickjack there, too. Do the cross-boards add more stability or is it just so you can get the rubber blocks in better positions?

[GH85Carrera]

When I replaced my torsion bars I recovered the refrigerant, removed the condenser and I had a hose made up before hand that would connect the top and bottom hose so I could pull a vacuum on the system to prevent moisture from invading the system. After the alignment and final corner balance settings I replaced the condenser and recharged the system.

As I remember I called and talked to Charlie and asked him the size of the two fittings so I could go to the local AC shop and have them make the hose for me. I still have that hose somewhere in my garage. There is just not much room in there for torsion bar work with the condenser in the way. It is the one disadvantage of a condenser mounted in the fender.



The other pain for me was removing the turbo style rock chip protectors. I had to buy a new replacement pair of them for after the torsion bar work.

[Quasimoto]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

Interesting setup with the quickjack there, too. Do the cross-boards add more stability or is it just so you can get the rubber blocks in better positions?

Yes, it allows me to hit the rear spots with the jacks inboard enough that they won’t foul the front wheels. Plus I have a chunk on the bottom that fits the trays and automatically sets the jacks the correct distance apart.

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

When I replaced my torsion bars I recovered the refrigerant, removed the condenser and I had a hose made up before hand that would connect the top and bottom hose so I could pull a vacuum on the system to prevent moisture from invading the system. After the alignment and final corner balance settings I replaced the condenser and recharged the system.

Been wondering if this is the best option…

The other pain for me was removing the turbo style rock chip protectors. I had to buy a new replacement pair of them for after the torsion bar work.

I’ve been doing some hand wringing on that as well. Mine look like they won’t come off gracefully. What did you do in the meantime, just cut out the access hole?

[GH85Carrera]

Just CAREFULLY use a heat gun to warm up the adhesive on the chip guard, and it will peel right off. It is tough material and with the adhesive melted it come right off.

As I remember on my Carrera I had to remove the rubber strip along the bottom of the door to get all the stone guard off. It is easy to get off, but use a lot of lube and it will slide right back into place. I used soapy water with a lot of soap in in to slide that strip back into place.

[Quasimoto]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

When I replaced my torsion bars.

I’m trying to decide if I want to replace the torsion bars or not. (of course if the bushings have started to wear on them I will)

What made you decide to replace yours?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Quasimoto

I’m trying to decide if I want to replace the torsion bars or not. (of course if the bushings have started to wear on them I will)

What made you decide to replace yours?

I replaced all the rubber bushings in the suspension, front and rear. New shocks, ball joints, turbo tie rods and rebuilt the steering rack. A full suspension rebuild. I am the worlds slowest mechanic and it took me a few months do get it all finished. I did not want the AC system open that long, so the hose was the simple cure to keep a vacuum.

It made a nice improvement to the handling. If I was smart, I would have do all that BEFORE I did the AC upgrade.

With no hesitation I will say the AC upgrade was the best thing I ever did to my 911. The suspension is a close second. The two projects really transformed my car into a comfortable driver and imitation track car. I have fun on the track or autocross, I just know the new cars are way faster. I am way too old to care about being the fastest. I have the most fun for sure.