How to remove torsion bar from spring plate?

[Rodney Nelson]

Hi Pelicans,

I know I've done the search but hard to figure out because I just need this one step. It seems that the torsion bar is stuck in the spring plate. What is the best way to remove it? I did see that some have drilled a hole in the torsion bar cap... I would prefer not to do this but if it is the only way let me know. This is the very last step in preparing my car for the sandblaster/big dipper, as you can see from the pics...

Thanks for your help,

Rodney

[Porboynz]

Another nice 1972 911. Have you tried setting the inner end of the TB on the step inside the TB tube (ie not engaged in the spline) and giving the end a smack with a brass mallet through the TB body hole so that you move it in the other direction. This might loosen things. Otherwise a discrete tapped hole might allow you to fit a grease nipple, then hydraulic it off with a grease gun. I ditched my original plates and bought adjustable spring plates, so much easier to corner balance.

[boyt911sc]

Rodney,

Pry the torsion bar cover (circular disc) by drilling a small hole. The disc is not welded and just forced fitted. Don't worry about the drilled hole because you could easily patched it with JB Weld.

After you have the removed the circular disc cover, time to separate it using:
a). A metal rod or drift and BF hammer.
b). Or a two-arm gear puller.

Apply heat and penetrating oil if there is resistance. Heat the housing and not the torsion bar. If you have any concern or question, simply ask. Keep us posted.

Tony

[Trackrash]

+1 on the adjustable spring plates.

And clean and grease the splines upon re-assembly.

[Rodney Nelson]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I will try to get the cap off. If I get frustrated and I have to damage the cap or spring plate I guess it wont matter because I will definitely get the adjustable spring plate.

[Trackrash]

Drill a small hole in the end cap and pry it off with a small screwdriver or similar. I had to do this many years ago and welded up the hole and re-used the end cap.

[Ayles]

If you are worried about the end caps pelican has them for a couple bucks too. Drop them in the freezer for a few and they tap right in.

[Puma]

Oil, heat, bang. Might take you five to ten minutes.

Don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be.

[jons911]

I had the same problem on my SC. I got a recommendation to use a vise grip on the torsion bar (padded with cardboard to prevent gouging the bar) and wiggle the spring plate towards and away from the car to try to break it free. I got lucky and didn't need to remove the spring plate, so I haven't tried it yet. If you search my name you should find my post about lowering the ride height which is where I received the suggestion.

[Rodney Nelson]

Ok, this is what I did. I drilled the hole in the end cap. Then simply put a screwdriver in the hole and tapped the torsion bar out, easy! I didn't like drilling the hole. But I'm going to update to the adjustables. However, I did just read that you can get new caps from Pelican so that is great.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Rodney