Re: [DML] Re: Driver Side Torsion Unit

[Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxx>]

I agree with you that the hinge can cause some damage, but I disagree about the metallurgy of the bars.  I think it is possible for them to have some defects.

We've had two bars break in the past 6 months in our club (both passenger).  One broke exactly in the middle of the bar, and the other broke in the open space where the bar passes through to the adjuster under the t-panel.  Both were low mileage cars, neither were over-torqued, and they both failed shortly after closing the door (when the tension is highest).

We examined both of the bars, and found no scratches at the point of breakage, but rather that the metal on the inside of the bar looked discolored and slightly "sandy" in sections (similar to corrosion).  Our conclusion was that the bars must not have been manufactured correctly as the metal was rather inconsistent, albeit invisible from the outside.

Jake Kamphoefner
1063




________________________________
From: jtrealtywebspannet <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, September 18, 2009 11:29:10 AM
Subject: [DML] Re: Driver Side Torsion Unit

  
My theory is that the torsion bar gets scratched where it passes by the rear hinge. Since the torsion bar is so highly stressed a scratch will concentrate all of that stress, propogating a crack eventually through the cross-section of the bar. My solution is to put a small piece of rubber from an old tire tube between the torsion bar and the rear hinge. Often you have to use your fingers to pull the bar away enough to slip the rubber in between the bar and the rear hinge. Do it on both doors. Cheap insurance. It is no coincidence all of the bars I have seen broken break at the point where it passes by the rear door hinge. There is nothing wrong with the metallurgy of the torsion bars.
David Teitelbaum


__._   

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnewsYahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    mailto:dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    mailto:dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/