So, you’re looking to upgrade your car’s trunk torsion springs, perhaps after installing an aftermarket spoiler or simply because your old ones are worn out. You’ve come to the right place. While the official procedure might call for a specific Car Trunk Torsion Spring Tool, this guide will show you how to get the job done, even if you don’t have that specialized tool in your garage. This DIY approach focuses on using readily available tools and provides a step-by-step walkthrough to safely and effectively replace your trunk torsion springs.
Before we dive in, it’s crucial to understand the importance of trunk torsion springs. These springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of your car’s trunk lid, making it easy to open and preventing it from slamming shut. Over time, or with added weight like a spoiler, these springs can weaken, leading to a trunk that’s difficult to lift or closes too forcefully. Upgrading to heavy-duty torsion springs can solve these issues, providing smoother and more controlled trunk operation.
Let’s get started with the replacement process. Remember, safety is paramount when working with car parts under tension, so proceed with caution.
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Safety First: Secure the Trunk Lid
The first and most crucial step is to secure your trunk lid. Unlike my initial, less-than-ideal attempt using bungee cords, the safest method is to have a helper physically hold the trunk lid open. Once the torsion springs are detached, the trunk lid can drop suddenly and with significant force. Do not underestimate the weight of the trunk lid! Having someone hold it securely will prevent injury and damage.
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Prepare the Area: Drop the Rear Seats
To give yourself more room to maneuver and a better viewing angle, drop your rear seats down. This will provide you with much-needed space to work inside the trunk area where the torsion springs are located.
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Locate and Detach the Middle Retaining Clip
Find the plastic clip situated in the middle of the trunk. This clip holds both torsion bars in place at the center. Gently detach this clip to free the torsion bars.
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Removing the First Torsion Bar – Driver’s Side
Now, let’s tackle the torsion bars themselves. Starting with the driver’s side, you’ll need a strong pair of locking pliers. Attach the locking pliers firmly onto the torsion bar, as illustrated. The key is to get a tight grip to allow you to rotate the bar. Once secured, carefully turn the pliers in a rotational motion to guide the bar out of its latches. This can be a bit tricky, so ensure your locking pliers are clamped on tightly to avoid slippage.
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Driver’s Side Bar – “Resting” Position
After rotating and maneuvering, the torsion bar on the driver’s side will be unhooked and in a “resting” position. It will still be attached at the other end, but this side is now free from its operational latch.
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Removing the Passenger’s Side Torsion Bar
Repeat the process on the passenger’s side. Attach the locking pliers to the torsion bar on this side in the same manner as you did on the driver’s side.
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Passenger’s Side Bar – Removed and “Resting”
Just like the driver’s side, rotate the locking pliers to unhook and rest the passenger’s side torsion bar. Both torsion bars should now be detached from their operational positions.
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The Danger of an Unsecured Trunk Lid
This image serves as a reminder of what not to do. If you fail to properly secure the trunk lid, it will come crashing down. Always have someone holding the trunk or use a reliable support mechanism before detaching the springs. Learning from mistakes is part of DIY, but it’s best to avoid them in the first place, especially when safety is concerned.
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Identifying the New Heavy Duty Torsion Springs
Here’s a visual comparison. The original OEM springs are typically white, while the heavy-duty replacement springs are often black, making them easily distinguishable. This visual cue helps ensure you’re installing the correct, upgraded parts.
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Installing the New Passenger’s Side Bar First
Installation is essentially the reverse of removal. The new torsion springs may have color markings to indicate which side they belong to. In this case, the bar with a red mark is for the passenger side. Hook the new bar into its position, and use the locking pliers again to twist and guide the bar back into its operational latches. The pliers are attached in the same “rested” position as during removal.
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Installing the New Driver’s Side Bar
Now, install the driver’s side torsion bar. This one has a yellow mark. Follow the same procedure as the passenger side, using the locking pliers to twist and maneuver the bar into its correct position.
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Finalizing and Securing
With both new torsion bars installed, guide them into the middle plastic clip if they are not already seated there. Close the clip to secure the bars in the center. And with that, you’ve successfully replaced your car trunk torsion springs!
Conclusion
Replacing your car trunk torsion springs is a manageable DIY task that can significantly improve the functionality and feel of your vehicle’s trunk. While a specialized car trunk torsion spring tool can simplify the process, as demonstrated, it’s entirely possible to accomplish this using common tools like locking pliers. Remember to prioritize safety by properly securing the trunk lid throughout the procedure. With a bit of patience and careful execution, you can upgrade to heavy-duty torsion springs and enjoy a trunk that operates smoothly and reliably.
