What happens when a front torsion bar breaks.

[81 SC Ray]

I am a daily driver kind of guy that drives his 1981 911 to work and back and everywhere else. My mechanic told me a couple of years ago that mine could not be tracked (I don't do track) because of some pitting, and that they should be replaced. I have the replacements - used ones off Pelican classified - in great shape. I have not put them in yet. But, I am still curious - does the wheel rub up on the wheelwell and destroy it? - does the tire shred as it tears up the metal in the wheel well, or does something stop the wheel from impacting? Do you lose control?

Thanks.

[mpetry]

I've never had a torsion bar snap, but I am sure if you did, you'd definitely know it immediately. Probably the suspension would collapse on that side. Yes, you might lose control.

[Joe Bob]

Thru the body bar....prolly take out the gas tank and it explodes....

[RWebb]

repl. your susp. bushings too - old bushings allow the t-bar to rub and creates a stress fissure (aka, crack, riser for your search)

very dangerous to have one snap while driving

[tonythetarga]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Thru the body bar....prolly take out the gas tank and it explodes....

I think you mean sway bar. His problem is the torsion bars in the a-arm.

The bushings absolutely should be replaced and could very well be the problem allowing them to rub and, possibly fail. I'd be surprised if normal pitting alone with street use would cause the t-bar to fail.

[Joe Bob]

My bad...prolly just a lot of sparks, then a fire.....