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Thread: Rear Torsion Bar Removal Help

  1. #1

    Rear Torsion Bar Removal Help

    Mechanically inclined,

    901 300061 is just about ALL apart. Especially east coasters (sorry! ) might be able to help as the torsion bars and spring plates are stuck in place. Any tricks to getting them separated? We'd hoped that the grease (usually there is a lot) would have stoped the rust but we're guessing there is rust build up on both ends of the torsion bars. Any suggestions appreciated.

    See this thread for info. on the 901.

    http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...of-day-(again)!

    Thanks.
    -Allen-
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  2. #2
    Mbr 3268 Fixer's Avatar
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    Jun 2015
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    Philadelphia area
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    548
    Allen,

    My '68 was not inclined to let go of its torsion bars either. I spent about 3 hours trying different ways to get it free and then I got smart.

    If you go to any home supply, they sell air chisels for removing stucco, parging, etc., I made the pointed chisel blunt and drilled the same size access hole in the spring plate on center with the torsion bar. https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...6network%253Dg

    As i applied outward [removal] pressure, I hammered the end of the torsion bar [now exposed] the vibration bloke the rust bond free and the spring plates came off. The access hole in the spring plate can be welded closed afterward. If you need to talk, call me. -Matt 267 767 4565
    Matthew J. Mariani BSID, Member 32689
    Haverford Pennsylvania

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by Fixer View Post
    Allen,

    My '68 was not inclined to let go of its torsion bars either. I spent about 3 hours trying different ways to get it free and then I got smart.

    If you go to any home supply, they sell air chisels for removing stucco, parging, etc., I made the pointed chisel blunt and drilled the same size access hole in the spring plate on center with the torsion bar. https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...6network%253Dg

    As i applied outward [removal] pressure, I hammered the end of the torsion bar [now exposed] the vibration bloke the rust bond free and the spring plates came off. The access hole in the spring plate can be welded closed afterward. If you need to talk, call me. -Matt 267 767 4565
    Matt, Great idea ! We have that tool. We'll try it tomorrow or other ideas we get but, again, good one. Thanks !

    -Allen-

  4. #4
    Mbr 3268 Fixer's Avatar
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    Jun 2015
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    Philadelphia area
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    548
    Allen it will work. Drill the access hole and spray PB Blaster in there today to help tomorrow. The torsion bar is right there as you drill through the mild steel spring plate. Your drill bit will not bite into the torsion bar at all as it's a very high grade of steel. You'll be surprised to see the VW logo cast into your torsion bars !
    The vibration will break it loose. No car could be worse than mine
    Matthew J. Mariani BSID, Member 32689
    Haverford Pennsylvania

  5. #5

    Torsion Bar Removal

    We didn't try the vibration method first because our "air chisel" was very powerful and we were concerned it would be too much and damage something. So, we melted out the rubber and that allowed a lot more movement. With that and some friendly persuasion both bars came out with a little work. Surprisingly, there wasn't much rust; just 50+years of sitting and congealing. Thanks !

    -Allen-
    (pictured: not us, mystery helper)
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  6. #6
    Mbr 3268 Fixer's Avatar
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    Glad you got it.
    Matthew J. Mariani BSID, Member 32689
    Haverford Pennsylvania

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