Anyone installed the Volvo Strut Brace? Volvo Part No: 9204176. I'd be interested to hear what you think? Any difference? Did you have dealer install?

I just installed the Volvo part this last weekend. It took about 45 min. (and a beer or two). The result on my T5 was more precision and less front end chassis shake. The whole front end seems to work more like a unit now. Also, the part is nicely finished, giving the engine bay a more sporting look.

Based on a recommendation from a fellow forum poster, I bought mine from Volvo of Houston (281) 721-1600, for $156 + $13 shipping. Got it in 3 days. Great service and very good prices.
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1999 S70 T5

I installed the Volvo stock strut brace soon after I bought the V70. I'm a bit slow, so it took me 45 min. I recall that the car felt a bit more precise in the front end, but the effect was subtle. My car has the stock suspension and the 15 inch wheels. At $150 or so, you may as well buy it and install it yourself.

I have it on my car for over 2 years now. Don't really feel much of a difference until you start doing high speed turns and corners. My car sticks like glue. Add sway bars and it will stick even more. Save yourself some money and do it yourself. 10 minute job tops.
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Mike H. - 1998 Nautic Blue C70 - minor mods here and there...and HID!!! -- Currently on life support :(

Dead easy to install, about 25 minutes--10 of which were trying to figure out where I'd last seen the torque wrench. You can do it faster than you can drive to the dealer's, and the saving in labor cost will pay for your torque wrench.

I had the IPD bars installed a few years ago, the installer recommended that I add the brace to reduce wear on the other suspension components. I'm not sure about that, I've needed to have numerous suspension components replaced. The Volvo brace is easy enough to install, it took me about 20 minutes and a torque wrench, as I recall.

-Punxsutawney Phil

'98 V70T5M, 93k mi.