Torsion bars Options

[Cvrguy]

Just pulled mine out of my '73 today as I'm replacing the suspension bushings. Both bars are slightly abraded due to the very old bushings deforming (old? I hardly had to heat the retainers in order to get them off!). Replace or not? Mine measure a little over 18mm at the shaft (18.01 and 18.25mm to be precise. The difference may be in the amount of paint on the bars). I've checked the usual sources but no luck as yet. Who might carry them? I really don't want to increase the spring rate with the 20mm ones from Pelican.

If I clean these up, are they useable? Can they be reversed? Does the minor abrasion significantly change the spring rate? Are those from the early 911 of that era an alternative?

While i'm at it, one of the adjuster screws shows signs of starting to split. Replace?

[Cvrguy]

the adjuster screws

[Superhawk996]

Replace

Damage like that to torsion bars creates stress risers. Bar will eventually break at an inconvenient time.

Same on the bad adjuster screw which is already showing major cracks.

You need new LCA bushings or you’ll just damage the new bars. Highly recommend Elephant Racing for new rubber bushings. They are sized properly. Many other suppliers parts aren’t.

You can source the torsion bars via Elephant Racing.

Note: it looks like Sway A Way has been through some changes recently with acquisitions, moving production to Mexico, and rebranding to X-sway.

I would try to get older Sway A Way parts that someone like Elephant or Sierra Madre may have in stock vs being the guinea pig for the new products from X-sway until we know more about all the changes and how that may be affecting parts quality.

[jim_hoyland]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

[mepstein]

As superhawk said you need to buy new or really good used. Those 18 mm or 914-4 size.
You’re not supposed to reverse left to right.

[bkrantz]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

At the rear end of the pivot tubes on the A-arms that contain the torsion bars.

[barefoot]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

At the rear end of the pivot tubes on the A-arms that contain the torsion bars.

A very common wear item The rear A arm bushings carry almost all the weight of the front end so the bushings collapse over time to the point that the torsion bars start rubbing inside the housings. I've polished out the gouges to remove the stress risers and repainted the bars. It's lasted me 3 yrs now.
Barefoot

[Cvrguy]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

At the rear end of the pivot tubes on the A-arms that contain the torsion bars.

A very common wear item The rear A arm bushings carry almost all the weight of the front end so the bushings collapse over time to the point that the torsion bars start rubbing inside the housings. I've polished out the gouges to remove the stress risers and repainted the bars. It's lasted me 3 yrs now.
Barefoot

Thanks to all. I have the new rubber bushings in hand. Just waiting for the LCAs to come back from sandblasting. I'll be replacing the torsion bars for sure. The jacking cones on the right side are somewhat deformed along with that adjuster screw. The ride height was equal both sides and there is no noticeable damage to the floorpan or the side rails. That's enough for me to not trust the right torsion bar at this point. The search begins...

[jim_hoyland]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

At the rear end of the pivot tubes on the A-arms that contain the torsion bars.

I don’t recall ever seen any; picture or part number ?

[Cvrguy]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

At the rear end of the pivot tubes on the A-arms that contain the torsion bars.

I don’t recall ever seen any; picture or part number ?

Got a nice pair of used 18mm bars yesterday from Einmalig in Huntington Beach. I have a couple of cans of 2K chassis spray paint on the way from Eastwood as well. Should have it all back together by Monday. Do I paint the metal surfaces that come into contact with the rubber bushing surfaces?

[Cvrguy]

Where are those bushings located ? Doesn’t ring a bell….,,

At the rear end of the pivot tubes on the A-arms that contain the torsion bars.

I don’t recall ever seen any; picture or part number ?

Got a nice pair of used 18mm bars yesterday from Einmalig in Huntington Beach. I have a couple of cans of 2K chassis spray paint on the way from Eastwood as well. Should have it all back together by Monday. Do I paint the metal surfaces that come into contact with the rubber bushing surfaces?

Got a nice pair of used 18mm bars yesterday from Einmalig in Huntington Beach. I have a couple of cans of 2K chassis spray paint on the way from Eastwood as well. Should have it all back together by Monday. Do I paint the metal surfaces that come into contact with the rubber bushing surfaces?

[Superhawk996]

The torsion bars do not touch anything (other than at the splines) unless the bushings are worn out in which case the LCA starts rubbing on the torsion bars.

Assuming the used bars you have are in good shape - just coat the bar with a light coat of grease to prevent future corrosion of the torsion bars. Corrosion, gouges, or removing the heat treated outer casing of the torsion bars will of course drastically shorten their life.

Paint in addition to the OEM paint coating isn’t necessary.

[bajafreaks]

What is the deciding factor on when to replace the torsion bars? Looking at the pics from the original post they dont look too bad. I didnt realize they were so critical of a component.

[Superhawk996]

What is the deciding factor on when to replace the torsion bars? Looking at the pics from the original post they dont look too bad. I didnt realize they were so critical of a component.

Torsion bars are a highly stressed spring where the outer heat treated layer is where the highest stress is concentrated. The center of a torsion bar does virtually nothing which is why you can have hollow torsion bars.

When the outer hardened layer is compromised by corrosion, scratches, or gouging it creates a very localized stress riser where cracking will begin. Eventually the crack will propagate through the bar and the bar will fail catastrophically.

This isn’t speculation. It is an engineering reality. Having a bar fail will ruin your day.
Typical failure:


The bars in the 1st picture are scrap.