Strut Tower Bars

A strut tower bar (brace) (STB) is an aftermarket accessory for the suspension on a uni-body vehicle. The strut tower itself on these vehicles is basically a reinforced portion of the inner wheel well which contains the vehicle’s strut suspension system consisting of the spring and shock absorber. The vertical suspension’s load is transferred to the top of the vehicle’s strut tower; and because it isn’t directly connected to the main chassis rails of the vehicle, there is flex within the strut towers when cornering.

The strut bar is designed to reduce the flexing of the strut towers by attaching the towers together and reinforcing the structure between the two. This transmits the load from each strut tower through tension and compression of the strut bar, and helps to reduce the flexing of the chassis. Installing a strut tower bar on a unibody vehicle can make a noticeable difference when cornering.

Tools:

• Wrench(es)

Installation:

This is an extremely easy do-it-yourself, bolt-on modification to perform on your vehicle.

First, purchase a strut tower bar specifically designed for your make, model, and year of vehicle. These can be ordered from most custom automotive shops, Canadian Tire, or online. The model vehicle shown here is a ’95 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and we chose to install a front and rear strut tower bar. 

Test-fit your strut tower bar by placing it over top of the strut towers to ensure the bolts line up, and that you indeed have the correct bar.

Unscrew and remove the bolts on top of the strut tower bar (usually three), mount the strut bar into place, and replace the bolts.

It is that simple!

For our rear suspension, there were covers over top of the strut towers. If you don’t want to drill holes in the plastics of your interior, then you can leave the covers off. Or, make new covers using fiberglass (which we’ll teach you how to fiberglass in a future blog). We decided to take the easy route, and drilled holes of the right size and angle so the bar will fit through. 

Installation was just as straight-forward as the front. Unscrew bolts, mount, and screw bolts back on.

Now go for a ride, and feel the difference of your reinforced suspension.

photos done by Steve - DIY Car Modifications