Do two right torsion bars make a wrong?
 

I'm at the end of my "low cost" front suspension rebuild. I installed new A-arm bushings and turbo tie rods. I had to buy two front torsion bars, since my originals were trashed from rubbing on the tubes.

I called a Porsche parts recycler and ordered a set of front torsion bars. Unfortunately I got two right torsion bars, instead of a left and a right.

I installed the bars and plan to drive my car for a year or two. I will upgrade to 21mm fronts and 28mm rears and new shocks when I have more Porsche fun money.

So, am I crazy for doing this or will I be OK for a couple years?

you may have a not unexpected rear suspension failure on whatever side the wrong bar is on.

John, thanks for your quick response.

I haven't driven the car yet, since I just installed the bars last night. With your comment about suspension failure, I'm pulling it out tonight and sending it back for the correct left bar.

I was hoping that the bar would flex in either direction, so I would be fine for a year or two. Why is this not the case?

I had the same problem with my hollow t-bars I bought through Pelican. I called the manufacturer (Weltmeister? can't remember) and they informed me that there is NO difference in the bars when they leave the factory. Only after they have been used on one or the other they need to be kept on that side. I have been tracking the car for 1.5 years with no problems.

I can't say this is the case for all torsion bars, but you may want to check before you tear things apart.

Regards,
Martin

Martin, yours were new and as such, had not taken a "set" yet from being constantly twisted in only one direction. Jeff mentioned that he got his bars from his local recycler, which implies the bars are used and therefore have taken a set in one direction. If he takes a bar that's been twisting in one direction only for its entire life and then suddenly asks the bar to start twisting in the other direction, he risks a possible failure of the bar.

Hi Martin,

Since I went the budget route (kid in college) and bought used torsion bars, I'll have to pull the right bar out of the left side. I'm just getting impatient with the car on jack stands and the snow already starting to fly. It's easy to pull the front torsion bar when the car is on stands.