Just another informational page on how to install a front strut tower bar. While this is for a no-name bar, it would apply even were it a Whiteline, Cusco, FHI, etc. bar- the principle is all the same. Any questions or comments? Please feel free to email and ask.
The first step is to open your hood, locate your strut tower, and remove the three 12mm nuts on the strut mount studs per side. A deep socket would be best- most shallow sockets will not fit over the studs. It might help to spray these with penetrating oil before starting, as the studs can get rather corroded, depending upon the climate you live in. The arrows mark the location of these nuts.
Remove both ends from your strut tower bar, in what ever manner is required. You want to put the brackets on the car on their own to start with. Place the brackets on the vehicle, and tighten the strut mount nuts. These are only torqued to 15 foot pounds- do not overtighten, or you will snap the studs.
Next, add the center bar to the brackets, one end at a time. This bar is adjustable, like many, and you will have to adjust the length of the bar to match the distance between the brackets. Since you want a bit of tension if possible, go a few threads longer than need be to introduce this tension in the bar. You can use the locknuts on the bar to add a bit more tension to your liking. Do not tighten the nuts/bolts on the center section or the locknuts until your desired tension is reached. Once satisfied, secure all bolts snugly. The arrows mark the location of the tension nut and the mounting bolt/nut.
The completed install only takes about 15 minutes. The strut tower bar is the only clean, shiny thing in my 270,000 old engine bay.
Standard Disclaimer: Modification of your car involves risks and may void your warranty. I can not be held responsible for the modifications you consciously decide to undertake nor for the results of doing so.
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