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removing stuck torsion bar
I have just replaced my rear two torsion bars with heavier models.
One of the old ones was really stuck in the chassis housing and would not move. I could wiggle it by 1/2" in any direction, but nothing would get it free. I'm sure other ideas have been posted, but here was my solution. I had already done one side, so didn't want to disturb the settings to knock it thru with a rod. What was weird was I has these out about 3 months ago to adjust ride height, and they were well lubed before going back in, and were free previously. Any way, I tied a chain around the end of the bar. You have to tie it a particular way, or it will keep slipping - see pic. Then I passed the chain thru the hole in the rocker panel and hooked it on to a tie down strap. I had the other end of tie down locked on to something solid. The ratchet the tension on. I had as much tension as I could, and still no luck, until I tapped on the chain wrapped on the bar, and it came free. Alan 
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03-12-2009, 09:34 PM
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Almost Banned Once
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Adelaide South Australia
Posts: 38,368
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Good info thanks...
You say you had the torsion bar out about 3 months ago. Did you seat the splined end of the torsion bar properly when you re-assembled? If you don't they can get stuck. Do you have a pic of the spline that was stuck? It may show some evidence of not being fully seated. |
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03-12-2009, 09:42 PM
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The spline looked OK. But I will have another look in morning.
If anything obvious, will post a pic. I justpush them in as far as they will go, then rely on the spring plate to seat them home. Is this not sufficient? Alan |
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03-12-2009, 10:49 PM
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Almost Banned Once
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Adelaide South Australia
Posts: 38,368
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I think it depends on the spring plates but I'm not 100% sure. (my car is a 78)
Someone who knows for sure chime in please. |
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03-12-2009, 11:00 PM
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Canucks Fan
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Posts: 2,216
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yes tying the chain can be tricky, the old half hitch works everytime, almost a lost art these days
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03-13-2009, 03:37 AM
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Tim
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Posts: 159
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I had to remove em a couple of weeks ago. I used vise grip pliers and a small hand-jack that came with my VW Golf.
That way I could keep the pressure on and wiggle using the leverage given by the jack. |
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03-13-2009, 06:26 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dayton Ohio.....Americas Playground!!!
Posts: 2,209
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Quote:
__________________
1997 C4S stock...ish 1970 911T Restored Hot Rod....Sold  http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/418411-here-my-new-old-project-lilly.html |
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03-13-2009, 06:44 AM
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AutoBahned
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looks more like a clove hitch to me
also see: "Miller's Hitch" |
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03-13-2009, 10:49 AM
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No, its not actually a clove hitch - it is two back to back half hitches I think. But it works well with chain - stops it slipping, and stops it tightening up onself - so can easily remove it.
Thinking on it overnight - you need to be careful you don't pull the car off jackstands. My front wheels were still on ground, which may help. When I have checked before (altho not this car), if you knock the spring plate end cap out, the bar fully inserted is sitting almost against the end cap - ie maybe a mm spare. So, if it was not seating right home, I figure it would push the end cap out? Alan |
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03-13-2009, 11:16 AM
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I have just checked the splines on the stuck bar. There is no visible issue. They look fine.
I can only think it is due to the use the car has had recently - hard out (sliding) in corners, and lots of WOT. This would load them to the max. Perhaps they just 'locked' into place. I can see where they were seated - about 2mm from fully over whole inner spline. So, I think they were pretty well right home. Weird. Alan |
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03-13-2009, 12:04 PM
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