Torsion torsion torsion....

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

I'm having a properly hard time trying to get the bars to budge at all. theres a little bit of rust but not much on the edge. I tried the technique with the socket, nut and bolt but the nut just shears to a smooth finish (internally and externally!) I've had a good pull too but nothing. I'm considering blow torch style! been spraying the WD 40 and that 85 stuff like crazy on it.
Anyone got any success stories of freeing sticky torsions.

By the way its on axle stands with both rear wheels removed, the bottom rear shock absorber bolt removed, and the rear arm hanging freely.

Also trying to decide how much to lower it? Its on 17'' s at the mo so I'm thinking 20mm til I get the front springs (40mm) fitted, then just whack the bars out again and providing it doesnt scrub put it down to match the front (@ 40mm). I still want to carry people in the back and have good handling so im thinking 50-60 is prob too low

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

The axle stands are on the big round bits from where the torsion bar comes out from by the way, not interferring with the rear arm as far as I can tell

Forum Moderator Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 7432

join the club mate Sad

I'm on the lookout for another rear beam for mine, one with bars that are not siezed in.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

buy a slide hammer

Retroholic Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 3315

ask me and beny to help maybe mo fo....?

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

That was the next step mate, whens benny got time off work?

Level 6 User Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 149

regarding torsion bars,

my 19 16v is making a creaking noise when i jack up one of the front wheels (well, i think its the bars, since it cant be the shocks making that sound).. theres no noise from 'em when driving.. should i care about this? and how can they make noise? twisting a bar should not make any sound i would think..

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

hooverphonique, check theres no small stones trapped in the rubber bush they make a hell of a racket if there are.

Level 7 User Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Posts: 224

if not i reckon its the handbrake on thats squeeking

Level 8 User Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 270

was gonna say handbreak as well. dont worry about it as long as the break function as they should

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

Well managed to get it out eventually with the use of some strengthened bolts and nuts!
DO NOT use roofing bolts and nuts, soft as shite.
Smile

Although the nut from the strengthened bolt has started to shear on the outside and is on the way out...
Managed to lower it bout 30mm on the left and about 35mm on the right Smile

Oh dear..
must have been uneven on the jack point of the rear arm. Still wont b much trouble to do it again once they are free.

Level 5 User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 119

another interesting point, it took three 'clicks' of the splines on the tortion bar to get to that height (yeah I know i know) on each bar. Thats why it did confuse me about the difference in height, but, i think maybe the right torsion bar is more worn as i always remember more bodyroll turning left than right. could be coicidence? after all until my ownership from the wear on the seats and what i'd been told i'd say the car had been driven 80% of the time with only the driver on the right side for 10 years

Level 6 User Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 149

Rich1";p="99740 wrote:

if not i reckon its the handbrake on thats squeeking

thats very possible whats going on.. never thought of that.. i always pull the handbrake before jacking the car Wink

@chris: cheers m8.. does not sound like small stones tho...