How to Install a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder Torsion Bar

The torsion bars on a Nissan Pathfinder are an important part of the vehicle's independent front suspension system, that also includes the upper and lower links, shock absorbers, knuckle spindle, tension rods, and stabilizer bar. While torsion bars are generally adjustable, circumstances such as damage from an accident, corrosion, or wear and tear might someday make it necessary to replace them.
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Jack
Jack stands
Wrench set
Screwdrivers
Ratchet
Socket set
Multipurpose grease
Ruler
Removal
1

Raise the vehicle's front end and place a pair of jack stands underneath it. Do not support the vehicle with only a jack.
2

Remove the torsion bar adjusting bolt nuts with a wrench.
3

Slide back the dust cover, to get to the snap-ring on the anchor arm. Pry off the snap-ring with a screwdriver.
4

Pull first the anchor arm, then the torsion bar towards the rear, on two-wheel drive vehicles. Also disconnect and remove the torque arm from the lower link.
5

Use a socket to unbolt the torque arm and remove it from the lower link, on four-wheel drive vehicles, followed by the torque arm and torsion bar.
Installation
1

Reinstall the torque arm to the lower link, apply a coat of grease on the serrated portion of the torsion bar, and install it into the torque arm on two-wheel drive models.
2

Install the torsion bar and the torque arm to the lower line on four-wheel drive models.
3

Raise the lower link until the rebound bumper makes contract with the frame and install the anchor arm. Adjust the initial torque arm setting to 0.24 to 0.71 inches on a two-wheel drive vehicle or 1.97 to 2.36 inches on a four-wheel drive vehicle, and reinstall the snap-ring and dust cover.
4

Adjust the anchor arm nut to the specified length of 1.93 inches on a two-wheel drive and 3.03 inches on a four-wheel drive. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
5

Bounce the vehicle several times, to set the suspension. Measure the ride height -- vertically -- between the lower link spindle center and the tension rod attaching bolt, on a two-wheel drive. On a four-wheel drive, or measure between the spindle center and the bottom of the steering stopper bracket.

The two-wheel drive specification is 4.25 to 4.65 inches and for a four-wheel drives, it is 1.61 to 2.01 inches.

Turn the anchor bolt adjusting nut to make this adjustment.

Tips & Warnings

The torsion bars are marked with an R (right) or L (left) on the end. If both are being removed, be sure to install the correct bar on each side.

Always wear safety glasses when doing automotive work to prevent hot liquids, foreign objects or particles from getting in your eyes. Be sure to wear cloth gloves and use rags when handling hot parts