How To - adjust decklid torque rod tension (Page 1/4)
fierosound JUL 14, 11:00 AM
Lots of people switch to a gas strut to compensate for the weight of adding a Wing on a decklid.
I'm not sure why they don't simply adjust the tension of the torque rods - maybe they don't know it's possible.

Here's how... can be done in 10 minutes and you don't need to unbolt anything.
(thanks to buddycraig who's pics I borrowed)

The torque rods attach with a bolt to the decklid and slip under the opposite side decklid hinge.




There will be a pin in the bottom area of each decklid hinge along with 2 other holes as illustrated.




Moving that pin 1 hole back toward the trunk will increase tension.

By using a tie-strap around the lower U-end of the torque rod, it can be pulled back allowing the pin to be moved.
Be sure NOT to pull down as you pull back because the rod could drop out of place. It's a pain to put back.
More: http://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...040223-2-043677.html

Here, it's been moved from the middle hole to the rear hole. The same can be done on the other side if needed.
Moving the pin forward will decrease tension - for those who have removed the wing making the decklid lighter.


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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 09-05-2018).]

Chelo Fiero JUL 14, 01:33 PM
Actually there's two types of torque rods, for spoiler decklids the rods are heavier thicker.
edfiero JUL 14, 01:35 PM
Can't wait to get home tonight and try this. #$^%$ Deck lid has been knocking me in the head for years, all because I didn't know about this
THANKS for the info.
Patrick JUL 14, 04:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by Chelo Fiero:

Actually there's two types of torque rods, for spoiler decklids the rods are heavier thicker.



I believe there are actually three types... and they're color coded with a dab of paint.

[EDIT] Good info in This thread.


quote
Originally posted by A_Pegasi:

The Torque Rods come in different strengths and a spot of color on each rod identifies the deck lid configuration they were designed to support. If the paint is worn, faded or missing, you can also tell by the RPO code what torque rod should have been on the car.

Red = plain
White = Spoiler (RPO code D80)
Blue = Luggage carrier (RPO code V56)

There is also the adjustment holes to 'fine tune' them. The torque rod retaining pin seems to come from the factory in the center of the 3 available holes. The Shop Manual says "To increase tension on torque rod, move the pin rearward one hole." But, be VERY CAREFUL! There's a lot of tension there.

If you do a search of PFF, there are many threads on this topic.


[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-14-2015).]

fierosound JUL 14, 04:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

I believe there are actually three types... and they're color coded with a dab of paint.



It's still worth trying the adjustment first.
Patrick JUL 14, 04:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by fierosound:

It's still worth trying the adjustment first.



Absolutely! From that link I added...


quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

There are different springs. There are adjustments which can be made.

The simplest thing to do is to adjust the ones you have and see if the tension is enough.
Ponnari JUL 14, 08:40 PM
Something I've always wondered about with these, since all the Fiero's I've had have acted different.

When you use the electric trunk popper or just the key, how far should the deck lid come up? barley, a few inches, or open all the way?

Thanks!

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Chelo Fiero JUL 14, 08:54 PM
Yes, three types. Forgot the luggage one. But yes it is easy to adjust the rods for the desired tension if you add or remove a spoiler.
fierosound JUL 15, 12:21 AM

quote
Originally posted by Ponnari:

When you use the electric trunk popper or just the key, how far should the deck lid come up? barley, a few inches, or open all the way?




Just unlocks and pops up to clear latch (as my car did when new) and should stay up once you manually put the decklid up.

It's only when something is changed - wing added or removed, or torque rods weakened or replaced etc. - that it needs adjustment to find the right setting.
I sure as hell don't want it flying open as some guys get when they remove the wing, or hitting me in the head when a slight breeze "breathes" on it.
Ponnari JUL 15, 12:43 AM
Thanks fierosound, that's what I kind of figured