Torsion Bar: Service and Repair

TORSION BAR





Removal

Caution:
^ Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Remove the torsion bar cover plate bolts and the torsion bar cover plate.
^ To install, tighten to 55 N-m (5.6 kgf-m, 41 ft-lbf).

Note:
^ Before relieving the torsion bar tension, measure and record the measurement of the torsion bar adjustment bolt. This measurement will be used as the preset depth for the new torsion bar adjustment bolt during installation.

3. Make preliminary adjustment references.





4. Relieve the torsion bar tension.
1. Position (SST 204-185 and 204-204).
2. Tighten (SST 204-185) until the torsion bar adjuster lifts off the adjustment bolt.





Caution:
^ The torsion bar adjustment bolt is coated with dry adhesive and must be replaced if it is backed off or removed. Failure to do so can cause the adjustment bolt to loosen during operation and cause a loss of vehicle alignment.

5. Remove and discard the torsion bar adjustment bolt and support nut.





6. Loosen (SST 204-185) until the tension is removed from the torsion bar.





7. Remove the torsion bar.
^ Mark the torsion bar and the adjuster for proper installation.
^ Remove the torsion bar insulator plate.
^ Grasp the torsion bar and pull it free from the lower arm.

Installation





1. Position the torsion bar into lower arm.





2. Install the torsion bar adjuster.
^ Align the marks on the torsion bar and the torsion bar adjuster, then install the torsion bar adjuster.
^ Position the torsion bar insulator plate.





Caution:
^ The torsion bar adjustment bolt is coated with dry adhesive and must be replaced if it is backed off or removed. Failure to do so can cause the adjustment bolt to loosen during operation and cause a loss of vehicle alignment.

3. Preload the torsion bar.
^ Install (SST 204-185 and 204-204).
^ Tighten (SST 204-185) until the new adjustment bolt and nut can be installed.
^ Turn the adjustment bolt until the preliminary adjustment measurement (recorded length of the old adjustment bolt) is reached.
4. Remove (SST 204-185 and 204-204).
5. Install the torsion bar cover plate and 4 retaining bolts.
^ Tighten to 55 N-m (5.6 kgf-m, 41 ft-lbf).
6. Adjust the ride height.
7. Check and if necessary, align the front end.