Torsion bar locking clips are a b*stard

[Butters]

Hi guys,

Firstly, thanks to the information provided on this site I was able to re-index the torsion bars on my truck this weekend and even out the ride height.
If not for this site I never would have known it was possible. Cheers for that!

However, while toiling away under the truck I found that the locking clips securing (?) the torsion bars were an absolute prick to remove (see pic).

The clips really seem to function as little more than an inconvenience though because it was almost possible to jimmy the bars out with them in place. Almost.

My question is do I need to put them back in? It's just I'm doubtful that they serve a purpose given the torsion arms are held in place so firmly without them.

Any thoughts on this?



Cheers

[tomsoffroad]

Any thoughts on this?

Sas it
More seriously, dont they stop any movement of the adjuster arm along the spline?
To be honest I've never really paid any attention to torsion bars. Other than they are reasonably weighty as I carry them to the scrap pile

[Butters]

Haha not really a lot of movement, maybe 5 mm or so. And yes heavy! Especially when you're under the car propping up one end of the bar on your elbow while frantically wrestling to remove a tiny clip with a couple of spanners. You can understand why I don't want to get back under there

[fullthrottle]

My question is do I need to put them back in? It's just I'm doubtful that they serve a purpose given the torsion arms are held in place so firmly without them.

Any thoughts on this?

Hey, firstly good job.
Yes those clips can be fun. I have a Terrano with what looks like a simlar setup. That clip helps stop the torsion bar from moving back and forth. On the Terrano there is a grove on the very end of the torsion bar that locates into the crossmember. Definately leave the clip in.

I found the easiest way to get them out was a screwdriver vice clamped to the torsion bar, stopping the clip from spinning around while you tap the other side slowly until it pops off.

Cheers
Ants

[slide]

Can't remember if theres enough room for a adjustable spanner, but if you have a big spanner you can sometimes use the open end against both circlip ends and tap ring end with a hammer enough to get screwdriv....I mean lever under clip.. Hope you get the gist... Just be careful when circlips go ping

[tomsoffroad]

Can you not just use spring clip plyers?

[sibainmud]

Can you not just use spring clip plyers?

Nah.....no ears or eyes

[tomsoffroad]

Nah.....no ears or eyes

Not circlip plyers fella. Spring clips, same tool you use to take the spring clip off when removing a Toyota FW hub. The clip looks exactly the same.

[kbjj]

Any thoughts on this?

Sas it
More seriously, dont they stop any movement of the adjuster arm along the spline?
To be honest I've never really paid any attention to torsion bars. Other than they are reasonably weighty as I carry them to the scrap pile

Off topic I know, but, heat one end of bar and beat the living crap out of it, makes a great pry bar, root chopper or rock mover

[Butters]

Cheers guys,

Yeah managed to get both clips out eventually. I used two size 14 spanners and pried each side up at the same time. They do fly off quite forcefully!

It sounds like I'd better put them back in. Damn it

[DEATH_INC]

I posted it in another thread, but .....
I re-index mine at the front. After you've loosened the adjuster right off, undo the 3 bolts that hold the bar to the lower arm, slide the splined sleeve back along the bar till it's off the spline, turn it, slide it back on and bolt it back up.
Much easier....
Oh yeh, put the clips back on.

[ladeda]

Nah.....no ears or eyes

Not circlip plyers fella. Spring clips, same tool you use to take the spring clip off when removing a Toyota FW hub. The clip looks exactly the same.

Dis one?

[tomsoffroad]

Dis one?

Yay. Was starting to think I may have just made up a random name for the one in my tool box

[lax2wlg]

Anybody know where I can get some torsion bar clips?

[fullthrottle]

Hmmm, I bet they are classed as a non-wearable part. But try Autolign, BNT, PartMaster etc. Otherwise someone like steel and tube maybe?

Did you loose one ?

[lax2wlg]

Yep I lost one when I was reindexing, idiot to do it on the street near bushes.

Very occasionally you hear about them stripping splines, dont know if thats at the adjuster end but would like to prevent that.

[Butters]

This reminds me that I need to put them back in. I had a go without any tools but they defeated me. They are definitely b*stards.

[lax2wlg]

I think I read somewhere that a small G-Clamp around the torsion/clip can do the trick.

[bang-thud-thump]

Once its part way off could you tie a cable tie/string to it and secure it for when it pops?

Hunting for springs SUX!

[sibainmud]

I really don't know what you guys are on about. When you use the right method, easy peasy. i never struggled with these clips and never loose them. Had them out last week, all it took was a hammer and large screwdriver. Hit one side until it pops up slightly and then use screwdriver to pry the top while a finger on it to stop it flying away

P.S, Spring clip pliers can't get in there on the right angle.

I don't have any spare either

Cheers,