The torsion bars are the cause of many serious accidents because they have a significant impact on the vehicle’s performance.
But the worry is that many drivers do not have enough information about this part to enhance the scene with symptoms of a bad torsion bar.
What are they? Scroll down and get the answer.
What Is A Torsion Bar?
The torsion bar is an important part, directly affecting the vehicle’s ability to move. It’s a long metal bar under the car and above the front axle.
One end attaches to the top of the chassis, and the other end twists like a coil spring and connects to the axle.
It is one of the three main components of the suspension system, along with the shock absorbers (including friction dampers and hydraulic shock absorbers) and the direction guide unit.
With a good combination of 3 key parts, a torsion bar suspension works with many different responsibilities.
The principle of operation of it is quite simple and similar to a spring. The ends of the bar twists attach directly to the wheel and the entire vehicle.
The torsion beam will bend when the car goes through a bump, creating a spring effect.
This helps to provide comfort while driving. When the external stimulus is exhausted, the torque is reduced, and the wheel returns to normal.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Torsion Bar?
A damaged truck torsion bar will show symptoms that can be easily recognized, such as the vehicle swerving, bouncing more than usual, difficulty accelerating, cornering, clunking sounds, etc.
Be careful with the following signs.
The first is that the car shows a deviation when steering. You will see that the wheel is not moving vertically; the car is deflected to the right or left when driving.
A few other signs that it is damaged such as leaking oil, clicking sounds, shock absorbers dusty, etc.
The main function of this system is to ensure that the vehicle operates smoothly on rocky roads or rough roads. Once it has a problem, the car will shake and shake more.
The spring is one of the important parts of this system and helps to support the load of the whole body.
If passengers feel that a certain seat angle of the car is suddenly lower than normal, the springs are worn or damaged.
Difficulty steering at low speeds also means that the system is having problems. Car owners need to quickly bring their cars to professional repair centers to get a professional mechanic checked.
How To Know Torsion Bars Go Bad?
Although it is quite durable, it can still be damaged, and the biggest cause is rust or impact from the undercarriage. To check this part, follow the steps below:
Illuminate the wheel cavity to locate the torsion bar. It is the part that protrudes and is perpendicular to the chassis.
It depends on the car model, but most of the end of it is attached to a joystick or steering wheel.
Check for any cracks because once it does appear, it will be sooner or later for this bar to split in half. Use a taper along its surface to look for traces of rust.
The rust patches have a rough, scaly feel. Rusted parts can no longer work properly.
Don’t forget to check the protective adjustment bolts at both ends. A rusted bolt will lead to its bolt-hole condition, making it difficult to stay intact. Make sure you have checked all the wheels.
Start the car and test drive. If you see the vehicle showing signs, as mentioned in the previous section, these parts are certainly having problems.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Torsion Bar?
The improvement of the torsion bar and suspension have solved some of their original problems and brought many benefits to car owners.
But that doesn’t mean this part isn’t without its downsides.
Pros
This department assumes a variety of responsibilities. They both play a role in bearing the engine weight, as well as a part that ensures the wheel moves in the vertical direction.
It also helps to ensure the grip and friction of the wheels with the road surface to help the car be flexible in all situations, such as braking, cornering, accelerating, or turning.
It also helps your car to operate smoothly and stably, ensuring the safest and most comfortable for you and the occupants.
Not only does it have a fairly simple mechanism, but it is also very easy to install and repair. Even a reluctant artisan can do it himself at home.
Another plus is its design is quite sturdy so that it can work for many years without any problems.
Cons
Well, the simple design is the advantage and disadvantage of these metal bars.
Low-cost models with torsion bar suspension will be less stable than models using other suspension systems when cornering.
Driving the car in tight corners requires a lot of attention and experience from the driver.
Another disadvantage is the additional vibration when the car is stopped. These vibrations are particularly strong at the vehicle’s rear and do not contribute to occupant comfort.
The expensive manufacturing process is why many manufacturers have started looking for a new type of suspension.
Ensuring the metal’s resistance to torsion; requires a new technological manufacturing process, which leads to increased production costs.
Another limitation is that it cannot work independently. While the torsion bar offers some comfort, it’s still not enough for modern high-end vehicles.
Can You Drive With Bad Torsion Bar Symptoms?
As mentioned above, the torsion bar is an important part that connects the chassis to the axle, helping the car move more smoothly and stably on different terrains.
Damage or cracking of the unit does not cause bump stops, but trying to continue driving may not be a wise or safe idea.
You must be very careful to control the vehicle in situations like these. This is certainly difficult for those who do not have much driving experience.
It’s hard to perform abrupt redirects in emergencies. If driving is required, the driver should maintain a very slow speed to prevent possible hazards.
Be especially careful when cornering on rough terrain, as it can cause the vehicle to lose balance.
Conclusion
Strange road noise or sudden inconveniences when driving are all symptoms of a bad torsion bar.
When your vehicle is also in this condition, quickly check and handle them as soon as possible to ensure the safety of each journey.