Lowering Mk1

[donsrno1]

I'm going to be lowering my Mk1 Ph2 1.4 RT tomorrow and just want to check a few things.

When doing the torsion bar does it matter about the position of the marks on the torsion bar with realtion to the bit it slots into when putting it back in?

Does it matter how far you put it back in or is it just as long as the whole of the splines are in? What sort of grease is best to use when putting it back in, or is any really required?

Is it OK to put the axle stands under the axle even when the torsion bar is out - if I understand it all correctly I imagine it is?

Finally - for anyone who has lowered a Mk1 non-16v by 55mm is it necessary to remove the arch liners? Do they just unclip?

Thanks.

 

[donsrno1]

^^^^

 

[u33db]

I'm going to be lowering my Mk1 Ph2 1.4 RT tomorrow and just want to check a few things.

When doing the torsion bar does it matter about the position of the marks on the torsion bar with realtion to the bit it slots into when putting it back in?

Does it matter how far you put it back in or is it just as long as the whole of the splines are in? What sort of grease is best to use when putting it back in, or is any really required?

Is it OK to put the axle stands under the axle even when the torsion bar is out - if I understand it all correctly I imagine it is?

Finally - for anyone who has lowered a Mk1 non-16v by 55mm is it necessary to remove the arch liners? Do they just unclip?

Thanks.

When putting the torsion bar in, just hammer it back in as far as it'll go...don't bother with grease.

You won't need to remove arch liners if going down -55mm...theyjust unscrew/unbolt tho.

 

[donsrno1]

Thanks mate. So does it not matter about the positioning of the marks on the bar relactive to where it slots in?

 

[u33db]

IIRC you mean the 'arrows' marked on the torsion bar and enclosing axle?

No it doesn't matter...i think they're just there to indicate standard settings or something...has no impact on lowering.

 

[donsrno1]

Thanks, I couldn't see how it would have an effect but having seen someone mention it before I thought I had best check. Final questions, am I OK just to put the axle stands on the rear axle when lowering it? The only reason I ask is that I don't know how everything is linked up exactly so don't know if removing the torsion bar would have an effect.

 

[u33db]

Depends what you mean by axle!

For saftey's sake, i'd just put the axle stands at the rear of the sills...its a jacking point anyway so is designed for it.

 

[donsrno1]

It's awkward putting the axle stands there though because then I have nowhere to jack the car up?

 

[donsrno1]

and by the axle I mean the big thick round bit that goes from one wheel to the other across the back of the car.

 

[u33db]

Not really awkward...they don't have to be exactly on the jacking point, you can put them further forward. At the end of the day you've got a heavy engine at the front so its not going to rock of the stands or anything!

 

[donsrno1]

TBH there really isn't room to jack the car up with a trolley jack on the jacking point, then get the axle stands in there. I've out the axle stand on the actual axle before with no problems but just wanted to check that it would't be an issue as I'm taking the torsion bar out etc.

 

[donsrno1]

I'll have a look to see if I can manage around the jacking point but from memory I don't think I can. Anyone know about the rear axle? Need to fin dout asap as I'm about to start.