Driver side torsion bar replacements - options/experiences

[DMCH James]

This torsion bar has been installed in our test car for about 7.5 years now and while the visible rust has grown, the bar still works fine. We have intentionally not done any maintenance or attempted any clean-up/refinishing to try and slow this process. Overall, we're pretty pleased with it and if we can make it to ten years with this one we'll consider it a great success. Even if it breaks tomorrow, we've had a good, working torsion bar for about $115 year (plus installation labor).

torsion bar dmoco jan 2017.jpg

We just got the Stage III car back from being at DMCF/DCS and noticed the aftermarket DMOCO torsion bar is starting to rust. It's a little over three years since installation.

The original bars were a fairly esoteric variant of 301 stainless. DMOCO's are some type of mild steel and then powdercoated. The slight twisting of the torsion bar has caused the powdercoating to fail and rust has formed as shown in the attached photo.

I've emailed Rick this photo and asked him to check with their supplier for recommendations. At 3+ years, it's out of warranty.

James

[Bitsyncmaster]

Heat shrink tubing would probably solve the rusting problem if don't when the bar is new. You can seal the ends with RTV just to make sure.

[kings1527]

This torsion bar has been installed in our test car for about 7.5 years now and while the visible rust has grown, the bar still works fine. We have intentionally not done any maintenance or attempted any clean-up/refinishing to try and slow this process. Overall, we're pretty pleased with it and if we can make it to ten years with this one we'll consider it a great success. Even if it breaks tomorrow, we've had a good, working torsion bar for about $115 year (plus installation labor).

torsion bar dmoco jan 2017.jpg

Hi James. Do you have any update on how the torsion bar is doing?