3 questions re: Torsion Bar adjustments

[HeyCrutch]

I've got the socket and have made some adjustments in the past but it's been long enough that the knowledge I had stored in my head has since slipped so I'm refreshing. There are a ton of threads on this topic her and on other sites, but they are kinda all over the map with their discussions. My three questions are ...

1. There are 2 torsion bar bolts underneath the front end - do they lift/lower the van on the same side that they are located, or is there an opposite relationship (adjust the bolt on one side for the van to raise/lower the opposite side of the van?)?

2. Tightening the bolt (upwards) raises the ride height and loosening the bolt (downward) lowers the ride height, correct?

3. There will be forces applied to the torsion bar in all situations of some kind, but one is recommended for making adjustments ... A) wheels on the ground, no jacks, or B) front end raised on jacks or jack stands with force from the ground (and weight of the engine) on the suspension relieved. I can't remember if it's A or B.

While there are other considerations as well, these are the only 3 that I need to confirm personally before making the adjustments. I remember the rest.

Many thanks pals!!
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2019 Golf Alltrack SEL Pure White 6Spd Manual
2003 Eurovan Weekender Emerald Green Automatic - Forest
1997 Eurovan Camper Arctic White Automatic - Ghost

[kourt]

To answer your questions:

1. the torsion bars do not have a crossover relationship. The adjuster for the passenger side affects the passenger side only.

2. tightening the adjusting nut, or in other words, increasing the exposed thread of the bolt, will increase the front ride height for that side only.

3. torsion bar adjustments are tricky, because you have to adjust countering forces as you proceed through the tightening process. It's possible for the torsion bar to come out of its frame saddle near the bulkhead behind the fuel tank if you do not have some counterforce on the steering knuckle. That force is usually by means of a jack on the knuckle, or by the installed wheel on the ground.

kourt

[HeyCrutch]

[kourt]

Mostly you are correct. My advice is to also clean and lube the threads on the torsion bar adjuster. It may not help at all, but if it's stiff you'll at least know you've done all you can to assist.

kourt