SC Front Torsion Bar Failure

[Hladun]

My left front torsion bar failed yesterday (tow home). My car is stock, but the fender dropped onto tire and scrapped the outer edge. If this had happened at speed I would probably be dead now.

It seems the right stock (19mm) torsion bars are NLA and I’d like to change both. Has anyone used a left bar on the right side? Does anyone have a technical answer as to why there are left and right bars and why they might not be interchangeable?

Also, I have Bilstein struts in front (installed by PO) but they have no bump stops. Bump stops should prevent the front from dropping onto the wheel. Do Bilsteins normally come without stops? The parts diagrams show that Boges do have bump stops.

[DaddyGlenn]

The twisting force on the left is applied in the opposite direction from the twisting force on the right. Check the used parts for sale board...
Porsche 911 Used Parts For Sale & Wanted - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

[James Brown]

If your talking about the steering bump stop than that would not helped. You should replace both torsion bars as a set. and they are not interchangeable, there is a right and a left, don't mix them up.

[Flieger]

If the bar is new, you can use it on either side. Once it has been twisted for a while during driving, it is a good idea to keep it on the same side because the metal's internal structure will have become a little deformed / strained / work-hardened so stressing it the other direction may cause a brittle failure.

[my1st911]

I love 2 different answers. It really makes your head spin. I believe that the left and right are different, and not the same. This would be true with all vehicles which use torsion bars, at least american trucks anyway. I guess getting 2 new ones would be wise. I probably wouldn't, but I am thrifty

[RWebb]

AFAIK, the markings are not imp. until after the bars have been used.

[Hladun]

Thanks for the answers.

[911s55]

FS Torsion bars, 19mm and 23mm

[unclebilly]

I have a set. $50 + shipping. PM if you want them.