torsion bar rubber

I believe the part you are referring to is the strut rod and it's purpose is to locate the lower control arm and keep it in place. I just rebuilt my front end and am pretty sure that the lower control arm needs to be at least partially removed to get the strut rod out.

Torsion bars are located under the car about where you sit, with one end in your lower control arm and the other in your sub frame. They are held in by small wire type clips.