Removing Bay Kombi front torsion bars

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 7 Nov 2003, 9:49 pm

#109338

Ok,
Just stripping a parts bus and I need the front torsion bars out. Any tips?
Reading the manual looks like an involved process, starting by removing the steering knuckle/stub axle. Removing the ball joints should be fun!
After that, and removing the grub screw holding the arms to the torsion bars. Anything to watch out for?
Also what's the easiest way why to get the top arm off the torsion bar as it will still be under tension??
Thanks in advance.
Andy.
:thumb

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 7 Nov 2003, 10:24 pm

#109359

Yep, its fun.......
There is a small clip holding the top bump stop on, flick it out, lift up the top arm enough to remove the stop and this helps removing the arm as it can move down further

65 Meyers Manx
68 Country Buggy (KO 367)
68 Country Buggy (KO 669)
68 Country Buggy (KO 789)
68 Country Buggy (KO 815)
68 Baja Bug
76 Baja Kombi Twincab

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 7 Nov 2003, 10:32 pm

#109368

Thanks dude!
Once I have all the bit's out it will be up to you to fix Andy's front end 😀

amazer kombi pilot

3,187 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Nov 2003, 10:16 pm

#109584

Andy wrote:Also what's the easiest way why to get the top arm off the torsion bar as it will still be under tension??

Big hammer. Get the bump stop out FIRST! much easier to do it with weight on the front end. Then lift things up and start removing bolts. Be prepared to have worn out arms on the centre bearing area.

Chris.... kombi pilot, oval dreamer... finisher #26971 2005 city to surf

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 9 Nov 2003, 8:04 pm

#109828

Thanks Amazer.
Well I got all the rear suspension out, easier than expected.
Front went OK. Niether of my two tie rod end removers were big enough to get the bottom ball joint out, but luckily it didn't stop me. (didn't have to get them out!)
Have every thing out on the front bar the top arm. I tried the hammer trick but gave up (only had a small hammer) Will have to go back with a little more muscle 😀
Also resorted to a grinder on the torsion bar clips. Buggers wouldn't budge!
These parts are for the spare parts bin, so not too worried on condition, though all looks OK in there, hardly any play in the ball joints.
Even the body will be re-cycled as panel cuts for some one else!!
Andy
:thumb

amazer kombi pilot

3,187 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 10 Nov 2003, 9:44 am

#110088

aawww man you gotta get a big hammer. its the first tool you should get. Big hammer, big screw driver, big shifter, big chisel.
A 2.5kg sledgy will do most things.
A long stanley screw driver with the steel shank right through the handle can do just about anything.
15 inch shifter can round off any nut you can find. but dont matter cos...
25mm cold chisel will get any round nut off.

then you can start filling in the gaps with those other fiddly tools.

😎

Chris.... kombi pilot, oval dreamer... finisher #26971 2005 city to surf

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 10 Nov 2003, 12:41 pm

#110132

😀 😀 😀 😀
You must remember I failed mechanics 101, so obviously missed that lesson.
I'll have to borrow dad's 28 pound hammer :o
Oh, and some one to swing it.
:P

koolkarmakombi enkarmarising

2,078 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 11 Nov 2003, 7:14 am

#110533

This isnt Andy having his front end ripped apart is it?

Ive a big hammer if you need...... I wouldnt let me have a beer until after the swinging though!
:beer:beer:beer
kkk

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 11 Nov 2003, 9:29 am

#110580

Nah, not yet, but soon!! 😀