Are replacement spring plate end caps available?

[frankc]

I'm having some problems separating my spring plate from the torsion bar (big surprise). So like most posts on this topic suggest, I plan on drilling a small hole in the end cap to get some PB Blaster in there. My question is, are replacement end caps available? I don't see them on PET or when I did a search in our hosts parts. If not, I suppose I'll simply plug the hole with a small sheet metal screw.

thanks,
Frank

[ZOA NOM]

The ends of my Sway Away adjustable t-bar covers are covered with a plastic cap.

[scottbooth]

Last year when I was removing my spring plates I had the same problem with the torsion bars being frozen inside the spring plate splines.

I did not know about the drill-through-the-end-cap trick at the time. so instead I used a pneumatic cutoff wheel to cut through the torsion bars (which were going in the trash anyway) so I could get the spring plate, and the torsion bar stub, out of the wheel well. Then I put the torsion bar stub in a vise and tapped the spring plate off with a hammer.

This is by no means the easy way to get the job done - but it doesn't put a hole in the spring plate end cap, so it's an option.

Good luck
Scott

[KTL]

You could also plug the hole with a small bead of silicone

I don't see a part number in the service info. I have. Best bet is to put a wanted ad in the classifieds or inquire at a salvage reseller.

You should be able to reuse the ones you've got. They should pull out relatively easily. If they do not fit tightly upon reinstallation, just dimple the edge of the cap in a few places after you install it. A hammer and centerpunch will do the job. Then seal the joint between the cap and spring plate tube with some silicone to prevent rust from getting in there again.

[dtw]

Frank - the torsion bar ends come very close to the caps, so a screw will likely interfere. I don't know if the caps are still available, but what I do is just drop a quick weld onto the hole. Again, make sure the weld doesn't dribble too far into the inside as you don't want interference with the torsion bar.

[frankc]

Thanks for the responses.

I don't have a welder (yet), so I guess I'll just put some RTV in the hole for now. I'll post something over in the classifieds as well. Actually the spring plate is still stuck in the chassis, but I would rather have the TB separate at the spring plate first, and then I'll work on the other end once the spring plate is out of the way.

[jpnovak]

Frank, bring them over and I will weld them up. Will only take a few minutes.

[frankc]

Thanks Jamie - I just might take you up on that offer. Hopefully I'll get them out this weekend, then its off to the plater with another batch of parts. Let me know if you need anything yellow zinc plated and I'll take it with me.

[John Brandt]

if not a real weld then at least get some JB weld in there...