What does adding a strut bar do?
In short, a strut bar connects opposite suspension strut towers to stiffen the chassis. The result is typically sharper steering and reduced body roll, though the magnitude of improvement varies by vehicle.
How it works
Strut bars tie the tops of the suspension struts across the engine bay or trunk, reducing lateral flex when the car corners, brakes hard, or accelerates. By restraining the towers from moving independently, the suspension geometry stays more consistent under load, which can translate to more predictable handling and a firmer sense of chassis rigidity.
Front vs rear braces
Most strut bars are sold for the front axle, where the majority of steering and lateral loads occur. Some cars also offer rear braces to address chassis flex at the back. In certain setups, both front and rear braces may be used together for a more rigid overall chassis.
Benefits
Here are the commonly reported advantages of adding a strut bar.
- Sharper steering response and more predictable turn-in
- Reduced chassis flex that helps maintain suspension geometry under load
- Less wheel hop and more consistent tire contact during aggressive maneuvers
- Potentially tighter cornering with improved overall grip in spirited driving
- Simple, affordable upgrade with minimal maintenance for appropriate vehicles
The improvements are typically incremental and highly dependent on the vehicle’s original stiffness and other suspension components.
Limitations and considerations
Not every car will experience a noticeable improvement from a strut bar. Here are important caveats to consider before buying one.
- Modern, well-built chassis may already be very stiff, so gains can be small or negligible
- Strut bars can transmit extra noise or vibration to the cabin in some setups, affecting comfort
- Clearance issues are possible with certain engine bays; improper fitment can cause interference with hoses, wiring, or hood operation
- Weight is typically modest but not zero; keep expectations realistic about performance gains vs. cost
- Quality and fitment vary; choose reputable brands and ensure proper installation to avoid misalignment
In sum, a strut bar is a supplementary tweak aimed at marginal gains rather than a cure-all for handling. It should be considered alongside other upgrades like suspension tuning, alignment, and tires.
Installation and practical considerations
Installing a strut bar is usually straightforward but depends on the car and brace design. A properly installed bar should feel snug and secure, with no interference when the hood closes or the engine moves at idle.
Before you begin, confirm compatibility with your exact vehicle model and year. If you are not comfortable with car maintenance, a professional installation is advisable.
To help you plan, here are step-by-step considerations for the installation process.
- Verify fitment for your exact vehicle model and year
- Gather the correct hardware and torque specifications from the manufacturer
- Clean mounting points and align the bar before final tightening
- Torque bolts to spec and recheck after a short test drive; re-torque if needed
- Check for clearance and potential contact with hoses, wires, or the hood during full movement
Post-installation, monitor for rattles or changes in engine bay noise and adjust as necessary.
Summary
A strut bar can improve chassis rigidity and steering feel on certain vehicles, especially older or softer chassis. The amount of benefit is usually small and depends on the car, mounting location, and the rest of the suspension. It is not a substitute for a comprehensive suspension upgrade, but when fitted correctly, it can contribute to more predictable handling and a tighter driving experience.
What are the downsides of strut bars?
The only downsides to a strut bar are the small amount of weight (really negligible) they add and the slightly stiffer feel they give to the car's handling.
Can you feel the difference with a strut bar?
If you do a lot of hard turning then yeah, you'll definitely feel a major difference. Even more so on completely stock suspension. If you have aftermarket shocks/struts/springs/sway bars then the difference won't be as noticeable but you'll still feel the car being a lot tighter through hard turns.
Does the front strut bar increase understeer?
A Front strut bar will only help a small amount in terms of responsiveness and turn in feel, may increase understeering very slightly under very hard cornering.
Does a strut bar actually help?
Strut bars are worth it for drivers who frequently drive on curvy roads or engage in performance driving, as they provide noticeable handling improvements by stiffening the chassis and maintaining alignment. For daily, straight-road driving, the benefits are less pronounced, and the main advantages are often cosmetic, though some may still feel a slight tightening of the front end.
You can watch this video to learn about the pros and cons of strut bars: 42sCars SimplifiedYouTube · Jun 15, 2024
Benefits of strut bars
- Improved handling: By connecting the two strut towers, a strut bar resists the flexing of the chassis during turns, which keeps the suspension geometry more consistent and can reduce understeer or oversteer.
- Increased stability: They provide more stability when cornering and on uneven roads, as they make it more difficult for the strut towers to deform.
- Tire wear: Even for daily driving, a strut bar can help tires wear more evenly over time, which may save money on replacements.
- Under-hood aesthetics: Many owners install them simply because they like the look of a more finished engine bay.
When strut bars are less beneficial
- Daily commuting: The difference is often negligible for drivers who don't frequently drive at high speeds or on winding roads.
- Stiffly-chassis cars: Cars that already have a very rigid chassis may not see a significant improvement from a strut bar.
Potential drawbacks
- Maintenance access: A front strut bar can sometimes make it more difficult to access certain engine components for maintenance or repairs.
- Rear storage: A rear strut bar may take up space that was previously used for storage.
- Improper alignment: Installing a strut bar without getting a wheel alignment afterward can lead to uneven tire wear.
