Torsion Bar Lowering. Explanation..

1. si_pow Established Member Joined: Oct 2008 Workington, Cumbria Posts: 1025 2001 mk5 Fiesta ZS

   #1 22nd February 2009, 09:53

   Hey guys,
   A friends Dad owns a garage locally to me, and has offered to lower my torsion bar for around £30.
   
   I asked my mate to ask his Dad, which way he lowers it (splines or the correct way) and he replied " i do it the hard way, which is the propper way"
   
   Can anyone give a quick description of what i need to say so he knows which way he needs to lower it?
   
   Also.. Are these guides correct?
   
   http://www.badgermotorsport.co.uk/lowering.htm
   http://www.suzukituning.com/PSA/Suspension/Lowering.htm
   
   I know this has been covered alot on here, and before someone says I did use the search button. I just need to know what i can say to the guy so he knows which method i want him to use.
   
   Thanks alot
2. willsy West Midlands Joined: Nov 2005 Nuneaton (West Mids) Posts: 13835 '64 Volvo V40 R’Design, '89 Ph1 309 GTi, ‘97 Mk1 S

   #2 22nd February 2009, 10:25

   Both of the above guides are correct in that the torsion bars are removed fully, height set and then bars reinserted.
3. si_pow Established Member Joined: Oct 2008 Workington, Cumbria Posts: 1025 2001 mk5 Fiesta ZS

   #3 22nd February 2009, 11:12

   So when its done on the splines method, do they not remove the bar?
4. user_30915 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 yatton/bristol Posts: 153 mk1 vtr mk5 golf fsi

   #4 22nd February 2009, 11:16

   its best to remove the bars completely if you do it by splines you will end up with uneven backend
5. si_pow Established Member Joined: Oct 2008 Workington, Cumbria Posts: 1025 2001 mk5 Fiesta ZS

   #5 22nd February 2009, 11:22

   So if someone said they took the torsion bar completely out and lowered it on the splines, then this would be correct yes?
6. willsy West Midlands Joined: Nov 2005 Nuneaton (West Mids) Posts: 13835 '64 Volvo V40 R’Design, '89 Ph1 309 GTi, ‘97 Mk1 S

   #6 22nd February 2009, 11:23

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by si_pow So when its done on the splines method, do they not remove the bar?

   Splines method does not remove the bar, one side will be free but they smack off the trailing arm which disturbs and potentially damages your bearings and seals and just pull it up and reinsert on a different position
   
   Spines method is never accurate either, you cannot guarantee that both sides will be even and you're limited with height adjustment
   
   The proper method allows you to be 100% accurate and measure the ride height exactly to what you want it

   1 user thanked this post: si_pow
7. Jtizzle Regular Poster Joined: Nov 2008 Chesterfield Posts: 283 Saxo 1.6 VTR mk2, Civic 1.6 Dohc Sir

   #7 22nd February 2009, 12:38

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by si_pow So if someone said they took the torsion bar completely out and lowered it on the splines, then this would be correct yes?

   no proper way is took it out measured changed height then put them back in nothing to do the splines, thats the lazy bad way

   1 user thanked this post: si_pow
8. si_pow Established Member Joined: Oct 2008 Workington, Cumbria Posts: 1025 2001 mk5 Fiesta ZS

   #8 22nd February 2009, 12:53

   Thanks for all the help guys
9. craigy_87 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2006 Wishaw United Kingdom (Scotland) Posts: 7326 Nissan 350z

   #9 22nd February 2009, 13:01

   i'd also take note of why its the wrong way incase he tries to justify the spline method
10. si_pow Established Member Joined: Oct 2008 Workington, Cumbria Posts: 1025 2001 mk5 Fiesta ZS

    #10 22nd February 2009, 13:12

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by craigy_87 i'd also take note of why its the wrong way incase he tries to justify the spline method

    well its my dads mate thats offered to do it for me, so if i show him this guide i'll just say it must be done like this, and if he has any quarms or anything i'll just say just do it my way. lol
    
    thanks alot guys.
11. jam3z Infrequent Poster Joined: Jan 2008 Chelmsford Posts: 104 Saxo VTR

    #11 9th March 2009, 18:22

    i still dont understand the wrong way?
    
    when doing it the correct way, you take the bar out of the splines, lower it then put the bar back in. right?
    
    so why is this way not called the splines way?
12. williamsvts Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Feb 2006 northumberland Posts: 7693 pulsar gtir, mk4 astra sxi

    #12 10th March 2009, 13:24

    because the wrong way you dont take the t-bar out the trailing arm, just out from the chassis mount.
    the correct way you remove the t-bars from chassis mounts AND trailing arms.