I finally bought a strut brace from IPD. After hollowing out the holes so it would fit over the existing bolts, I discovered the passenger side strut bolts are slightly off and do not allow the bracket to fit over them!!Do I have to get my front end re-alligned just so I can put this thing on?! Anyone have similar experiences?

Andrew

2000 Red V40

Asutin, Tx.

Coincidentally, I installed my IPD strut braces this weekend too. I did notice that there was a tighter fit with the passenger side mount, but with some jiggling by hand, it popped down into place...

I can't say I notice a dramatic difference in handling, however. Do I need to further tighten the bar?

Thanks!

Mark,

Vadim is correct, the strut tower brace is only one component used to improve the stability and handling of a vehicle. A strut tower combined with sport springs (which are stiffer), wider wheels/tires, and anti-sway bar gives oustanding results.

I for some reason, did feel a difference after I installed my strut tower brace. I felt it most in sharp turns.

Carlos

Right now your weakest link in your handling is your rims and tires! The stock tires have too much of a side wall and your sway bar give way easy. After getting some low profile tires and some anti-sway bars or springs then your frame will start to flex thus requiring a strut tower brace.

Thats my 2cents

It like putting slicks on a car that doesn't have the power to burn the stock tires.

Don't overtighten it!

Strut brace will help you when cornering as it improves you car's structural rigidity, but by itself it won't improve handling that much. It would be item #3 of #4 in the list of handling improvement components, starting with tires/rims, followed by thicker sway bars.

Cheers,

Vadim

Odd.. No problems on either my 1998 T4 or my 2000 V40 2.0T. Didn't even have to enlarge the holes.

OK.. I know it doesn't help you, but stil..

Bye, Arno.

Andrew this is very strange, while I also had to hollow out the holeswhen I did the install on mine as well (see the suspension section of the my S40 site) I didn't have a problem getting the brace over any of the bolts. About how much are they off by?

Carlos

The holes in the body that allow the strut bolt to go through are oblong, as if one can use these to set alignment... or is this a defect? In theory I could move the strut bolt slightly to align to the bracket, but then I would require an alignment right? OR I could grind down the lip on the top of the strut tower... but I would really rather not.

Andrew

2000 Red V40

Austin, Tx.

Andrew,

By moving the strut bolt, and I'm assuming you mean the three bolts coming up through the strut tower bracket, you will not affect the alignment of your vehicle. Unless i'ts a major move like more than say, 1/4", which I hope it's not then you should be fine. Along as the holes permit the strut to move within that area there should be no problem, just remember to tighten everything down properly when you're done.

Carlos