torsion bar lowering

1. sexysaxogirl Frequent Poster Joined: Mar 2008 Kent Posts: 500 Silver Saxo VTR

   #1 4th August 2008, 19:54

   i know loads of people put up threads on the torsion bar but me and my mate who is a mechanic are lowering the car and just want to know if theres common things that go wrong and is it easy to do. any help would be gratful
2. mattg Established Member Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1744

   #2 4th August 2008, 19:58

   The torx bolts in the end of each torsion bar can sometimes be a pain, try and get a titanium bit, think its a T30 or T40 cant exactly remember. Your probably gunna need about 2 cans of lubricant and alot of patience.
   
   The offset washers can also be a swine to move as they sometimes build up with rust and stick so again lots of lube required.
   
   The bars my be seized or not, a decent slide hammer and a decent lump hammer might be handy too.
3. sexysaxogirl Frequent Poster Joined: Mar 2008 Kent Posts: 500 Silver Saxo VTR

   #3 4th August 2008, 20:00

   nice one mate what about getting the ride level equal both sides how do u do that
4. luthor1 Established Member Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1802

   #4 4th August 2008, 20:06

   when the torsion bars are both removed and the shocks are off, lift the trailing arm and rest the brake caliper on a bottle jack. Then you can raise and lower the trailing arm and use a tape measure to test the height.
   
   When the desired height is set on the jack, slide the torsion bar in. If it doesn't go in smoothly, slide out and rotate 1-tooth. repeat until it slides in with minimum resistence - BY HAND. It *WILL* be possible to find an orientation where it works.
   
   Then, lower the jack and re-measure the height from the body once the sag has occured.
   
   Then move onto the other side, and repeat, making sure the height is the same AFTER they are both sagged. Then refit the shocks.
   
   REMEMBER: only tighten the shock bolts when the car is on it's wheels and settled.
   
   Andy
5. sexysaxogirl Frequent Poster Joined: Mar 2008 Kent Posts: 500 Silver Saxo VTR

   #5 4th August 2008, 20:17

   ok think i got that cheers for help guys
6. user_22749 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2008 N.Wales Posts: 7746 e46 M Sport

   #6 5th August 2008, 15:25

   A new packet of torx screw are always a good thing...i messed all mine up and had to but new ones
7. Steve Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Mar 2005 Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 19910 CW Honda Integra DC5

   #7 5th August 2008, 15:37

   dont put torx bits back in put proper bolts in. so if ever need to adjust you then use a socket
8. DnJ_VTR Newbie Joined: Aug 2008 Harrow, NW London Posts: 19 Citroen Saxo VTR Ford Escort 1.8 Si

   #8 6th August 2008, 03:21

   thanks for the instructions, just waiting to order my front springs then il lower the front and back together.