Remove front trailing arms

[zebbman]

Bought a used beam. Mine is bad. Now I'm thinking this one may be as well. Only has lower trailing arms/torsion arms. Upper were off when I got it. Removed the retaining bolts on both sides. Screw as well. Everything I have read say they slide right out or possibly a bit of persuasion needed. Well I persuaded for an hour and they won't budge. I need to replace the seals. Sooooo, before I persuade it to the junk man I thought I'd ask. Anyone have any thoughts on getting these off. Thanks

[David_nc_72std]

Have you removed the center screw that locks the torsion bars in place? I recall reading someone suggesting that so you don't form a vacuum inside the beam while pulling the torsion arms off, although it seems unlikely there would be enough to hold the arms on that strongly.

[zebbman]

Yes I have. They won't move. Literally.

[baldessariclan]

When you say the torsion arms won't move, does that include up and down, in addition to "sideways" (i.e. sliding out)? If so, they may be seriously rusted into place -- lower tubes especially known to collect water and rust up, if not sealed and greased properly.

If they do move up and down freely (not sticking) however, next question would be if you tried heating to help free them up for sliding out?

[zebbman]

Yes they do move up and down (spring type action). They just won't slide out. I thought about rust as well but wasn't sure. . I'll get a torch today and give that a go. Thanks for the idea.

[zebbman]

Finally got one side off and yes, rust is the issue. So much so that I can't even knock the springs and other arm out the other way. 2 questions. If I do happen to get the springs and arm out the other side is it ok to use this beam with new springs and arm? Should I find another beam? Not an easy task.

[Q-Dog]

Sounds like you just need a bigger hammer.

You have to inspect the beam to determine if it is reusable. The bearings and bushings can be replaced, but someone needs to check to see if the beam is rusted or bent enough to prevent it's reuse.
_________________
Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[zebbman]

Thanks. I'll find another I think. It was cheap enough to throw away any how.