Torsion Bar removal, is there a secret?? Options

[ldino21]

I am trying to remove my A-Arms from my front suspension, but can't seem to get the torsion bar to pull out from the inside, is there a secret I don't know about??

Everything else is loosened up!!

[Eric_Shea]

It sounds like you're attempting this with the suspension on the car. Because of the binding issues with both the drivers a-arm and the passengers torsion bar, I'd recommend just pulling the entire suspension off. You're only a couple of bolts away. If it's already off then you need to do the following:

To get the a-arm off the crossmember it sounds like you'll need to use brut force. If you're already going to replace the bushings then use a MAP torch and anywhere from a 2-8lb. sledge. Use a block of wood against the crossmember and pound it back. Your rear outer bushing cover is rusted in the pocket in the crossmember.

To get the passengers side torsion bar out I'd recommend going the other way. This means you'll be using the same block of wood and 2-8lb sledge and driving it out the front of the a-arm. This does no harm but watch the metal cover that Rich mentioned, you'll want to keep that around for when you put everything back together. Again, your torsion bar is probably rusted in the tube.

Be prepared... you'll probably need new torsion bars (rust). Double check inside the a-arm tubes as well. If they're not too bad, spray a rust stop chemical in them (and then neutralize it). Once your suspension's off it's probably only $20-30 to get it sandblasted. Another $20 for a can of POR15... Enjoy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)