Hi all.Just a stupid question. I just got a new front strut tower brace and knowing about d.i.y. stuff with cars, can I fit myself?? It looks straight forward,do I just undo the old one and put the new one on and if so should I torque the nuts to a specific setting??

 

The issue is that if the car is on the ground the existing strut is under tension, so if you manage to get it off, you'll be unlikely to get it back on. you need to have the car on a 4 point hoist to take weight off the strut.

 

I've taken mine off a couple of times without issue. take the top half off then you should be able to remove the bits on the struts.

 

Ok thanks guys.I might put it up on jack stands first??

 

At least load the back wheel... I really prefer the 4 point hoist. If you can really change the strut with ease - remove it, there is not much point being there if it is not tightly fitted.

 

jack-stands are a waste of time. additionally if the wheels are hanging in the air when you remove the bolts that attach to the shocks, the shocks would drop out and give you more headaches.

load is transfered across the strut bar when cornering not while stationary. to put the strut bar under load when on a flat surface your chassis would need to be flexing 1mm or more. thats some serious movement and probably a damaged or worlds worst chassis. just tighten the bolts and it will become a solid assembly.

torque settings top nuts for bar x 4 = 17.6-26.5 nm
lower plate and top shock mount x 6 = 46.1-62.8nm