Torsion bar question
 

Hi

Got a question i need an answer to.
I need to replace the drivers side halfshaft on my 2003 S10 P/U 4WD.

My question is ....do i need to unload the tension on the torsion bar first or can i just support the lower control arm with a jack?

I have read in one book that i have to unload it with a special tool and online at the library in their auto section resource guide, thats similar to alldata, it states to just support it with a jack...
I dont want to have this thing come flying apart and get myself hurt if i do it incorrectly.
I did replace the left front hub assy about a year ago and i didnt have to support it or unload it then ..But i read afterwards the same thing...one said to support it the other said to unload it....
Seems it would matter more with the axle replacement since the knuckle has to be removed ...
So...Which is right and what is the safe way to do it?

TIA for any and all help

Joe

Anybody??
56 views..

Anybody ever do one of these?
Or have Alldata or Mitchells directions?

Thanks

Joe

Did you try searching? This topic has been covered before.

It isn't necessary to remove the steering knuckle when replacing the axle... Even so, I have never unloaded a torsion bar even when replacing the ball joints.

Thanks for responding.
Yes,did try searching first,didn't find anything.
Not saying its not there,i just didnt find it.

So,should i just support the lower control arm with a jack? or doesn't it matter?
When replacing the axle,do i just separate the upper control arm from the knuckle and not the lower one?
Would you happen to have the correct procedure?

Thanks for all your help

Joe

I just took the halfshaft out without relieving pressure on the torsion arm.

And put another one in right ? You don't want to drive it with out the axle in it or it will come undone . I'm sure you no this but trust me I've seen it happen to people.

You don't need to support anything IF the front suspension and steering knuckle are staying intact for the job (as above, I think you can do this without removing the steering knuckle from either control arm). However, I find a lot of the nuts and bolts for the brake assembly and hub are easier to get access to if you use a jack to manipulate the control arm. You don't need to touch the torsion bars for this.

If you're removing the control arm/steering knuckle, you'll need to support the lower control arm with a jack as it is under tension from the torsion bar. I recently replaced my balljoints this way without the need to alter the torsion bar tension at all.

You can easily use a 2 jaw puller to let the t-bars down.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/i...al0204-400.jpg

They make a special tool for it but it does the same thing.

http://www.justlevelingkits.com/images/chevy_1082.jpg

A big c-clamp with the swivel tip removed also works



As said for the work you are wanting to do its not required to remove it. IMO its safer to do so since its so easy and you are not having to deal with the loaded t-bar on a jack.