How to Install a Rear Strut Brace

When a vehicle is driven around a corner, the chassis flexes at various points from the cornering forces being exerted on it. One area that flexes the most is the tops of the shock towers. When the chassis flexes, even though it is usually to a small degree, it can make the handling of the vehicle feel less precise and stable. In order to minimize this flexing and make the vehicle feel more stable, a rigid bar -- called a strut brace -- is often bolted to the tops of the strut towers so that they are braced against each other. A strut brace is simple to install.

• 1

  Locate the tops of the rear strut towers. On most sedans and hatchback vehicles, the tops can be accessed by opening the trunk or the hatch. You may need to remove some trim or pull back the trunk carpeting that covers the strut towers. On some vehicles, you may need to remove the rear seat back to access the tops of the strut towers.

• 2

  Remove the nuts that hold the tops of the struts in place on the strut towers with a wrench or a socket and a ratchet. The top of the strut assembly has studs that protrude through the vehicle's sheet metal and are secured in place with nuts. Remove the nuts and set them aside.

• 3

  Slide the holes in either end of the strut brace down over the studs that the nuts were mounted on. Strut braces are specific to the car they are being installed on and need to be the proper length and have the holes drilled in the appropriate place for them to fit.

• 4

  Thread the nuts back onto the studs so that they tighten against the strut bar and hold it place. Tighten the nuts with the wrench or a socket and a ratchet. Reinstall any trim or carpeting that was removed to access the upper strut towers.