What does turning up torsion bars do?
Torsion bars are an integral part of a vehicle's suspension system, particularly in trucks and SUVs. Adjusting or "turning up" torsion bars can have a significant impact on your vehicle's ride height and handling. In this article, we'll explore what torsion bars are, why you might want to adjust them, and the effects of turning them up.
What Are Torsion Bars?
Torsion bars are a type of suspension component that helps support the weight of your vehicle and absorb shocks from the road. Unlike coil springs or leaf springs, torsion bars are long, metal rods that twist to provide suspension movement. One end of the torsion bar is anchored to the vehicle's frame, while the other end is connected to the suspension control arm. When the suspension moves, the torsion bar twists, storing and releasing energy to maintain a smooth ride.
Why Would You Turn Up Torsion Bars?
Adjusting torsion bars, often referred to as "turning them up," involves tightening the torsion bar adjustment bolts to increase the preload on the bars. This adjustment is typically done for the following reasons:
- Increase Ride Height: Turning up the torsion bars raises the front end of the vehicle, which can be useful for improving ground clearance or leveling the vehicle if the rear sits higher than the front.
- Accommodate Larger Tires: If you're installing larger tires, raising the ride height by adjusting the torsion bars can prevent the tires from rubbing against the wheel wells.
- Improve Aesthetics: Some vehicle owners prefer the look of a leveled or slightly lifted front end.
What Are the Effects of Turning Up Torsion Bars?
While turning up torsion bars can provide certain benefits, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stiffer Ride: Increasing the preload on the torsion bars can make the suspension stiffer, which may result in a less comfortable ride, especially on rough roads.
- Reduced Suspension Travel: Raising the ride height reduces the amount of downward travel available in the suspension, which can negatively affect off-road performance.
- Increased Wear on Components: Adjusting torsion bars can put additional stress on suspension components like ball joints and control arms, potentially leading to premature wear.
- Alignment Issues: Raising the front end can alter the vehicle's alignment, so a professional alignment is often necessary after making adjustments.
How to Safely Adjust Torsion Bars
If you decide to turn up your torsion bars, it’s important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your vehicle or compromising safety. Here are some general steps:
- Locate the torsion bar adjustment bolts, typically found near the rear of the torsion bars.
- Use a wrench to turn the adjustment bolts clockwise to increase preload and raise the ride height.
- Measure the ride height on both sides to ensure the vehicle remains level.
- After adjustment, take the vehicle for a test drive and check for any changes in handling or ride quality.
- Schedule a professional alignment to correct any changes caused by the adjustment.
Conclusion
Turning up torsion bars can be a practical way to adjust your vehicle's ride height and accommodate specific needs, such as larger tires or improved ground clearance. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as a stiffer ride and increased wear on suspension components. If you're unsure about making these adjustments yourself, consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do upgraded torsion bars do?
When you use a factory or standard torsion bar to create more lift in your vehicle, you have ultimately used their maximum torsional value. Whereas heavy duty torsion bars will give you the desired lift without maxing out their torsional values.
What are the disadvantages of torsion bars?
A disadvantage is that torsion bars, unlike coil springs, usually cannot provide a progressive spring rate. In most torsion bar systems, ride height (and therefore many handling features) may be changed by simply adjusting bolts that connect the torsion bars to the frame cross member.
What does raising torsion bars do?
Here are the general steps to adjust a torsion bar upwards:
This will increase the amount of torsion on the torsion bar, which will lift the vehicle's front end.
What are the pros and cons of torsion bar suspension?
Due to their small size, tremendous load capacity, and relative ease of service, torsion bar suspension has been ideal for tanks, though it is not without disadvantage. The large travel and high elasticity of the torsion bars results in a "rocking" motion when the tank is moving or coming to a sudden stop.
What should I adjust for alignment?
Alignment is accomplished by adjusting four specific suspension angles—toe, thrust, camber, and caster back to their factory settings. These angles are adjusted by a trained technician using some complex, and expensive machinery, so it's unlikely you'll ever find yourself performing your own alignment.
Which is better leaf spring or torsion bar?
Torsion trailer axles offer a smoother ride and less maintenance. Leaf springs are more durable, less expensive and far easier to replace parts on. Selecting the proper axle is as simple as determining your application, and figuring out the loads you need to carry.
How much does adjusting torsion bars affect alignment?
Depends on the amount of cranks you lower it. If it's a good amount, it will probably cause negative camber on both tires. Wouldn't hurt to get it aligned, but it's ultimately dependent upon the amount you drop it. Good call on relieving some of the stress on the torsion bar.
What does turning up torsion keys do?
A torsion key lift is an easy and inexpensive way to increase vehicle height without buying a lift kit. It utilizes the torsion bar suspension's unique design to raise or lower the vehicle's front end.
How to properly adjust torsion bars?
Locate the adjustment bolts on both sides of the torsion bar. Put a car jack beneath your car frame and lift the tire off of the ground. Place a socket and ratchet wrench on top of one of the adjustment bolts. Turn the torsion bar bolt clockwise to lift your car to your desired height.
Do torsion bars fatigue?
Torsion bar springs are dynamically loaded machine elements which can break due to fatigue.
