What Is a Strut Tower Bar?
- As a vehicle makes a corner, the chassis undergoes a certain amount of flexing, though this varies from vehicle to vehicle based the rigidity of the chassis design. The suspension bolts to the vehicle's chassis, transmitting chassis flex to the suspension and then into the wheels and tires. This flexing and twisting negatively affects the precision and responsiveness of the steering and suspension, and how it feels to the driver. A strut brace is a rigid length of metal bolted to the suspension on either side of the car where the suspension connects to the chassis. The strut tower bar, or strut brace, braces the two opposing sides of the chassis against each other, reducing chassis flex and providing vehicle precision and nimbleness for cornering.
- Strut bars are made of tubular or solid metal, sometimes carbon fiber, and can be round in shape or rectangular, depending on the manufacturer and the design. At either end of the brace is a collar or lengths of metal with holes in them. The holes correspond to the nuts and the tops of the strut tower on the suspension. Strut bars can be painted, powder-coated or even chromed. Strut bars are made from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel and carbon fiber.
- Strut bars come ready-made for most vehicles. Companies that specialize in aftermarket performance parts are a good source for strut bars. Source them from companies that specialize in handling and performance parts for specific vehicles. Occasionally, strut bars are even available from the manufacturer of the vehicle as a dealer performance accessory.
- Installing a strut bar is generally a very straightforward procedure, as long as the bar was designed specifically for the vehicle on which you install it. Open the hood and find the tops of the strut towers in the engine bay just above the wheels. Loosen and remove the nuts that fasten the upper strut to the engine bay with the appropriately sized socket and ratchet. Slide the strut bar down onto the studs where the nuts thread. Install the nuts on top of the strut bar and tighten them with the socket. Ensure the bar is not interfering with the engine or any components where it crosses the engine bay from one side to the other. Close the hood.