Front Strut brace 2006 M35

[cfrankling]

Can some one be kind enough to explain what's the advantage of having a strut brace ? The one installed inside the engine bay bolted onto top of shock tower.

Is it really worth the expense?

thanks.

[Larz]

When encountering sharp turns or road imperfections like bumps and pot holes, the front wheels react individually, causing flex in the chassis. This is why the car leans in or out with turns and that motion adds weight and stress to the individual strut at the wheel. The strut bar allows these forces to be shared by both struts to help cancel these forces. Basically, it makes the chassis less susceptible to flexing, and increases stability for sharp turns and pot holes. The video below explains:

[EdBwoy]

One advantage is that if they're designed well, they could make the engine bay look pretty.
On the worth, my opinion is that most modern road going passenger vehicles see no structural or dynamic benefit from aftermarket strut bars... in typical use. If you autocross your car, then it might be different.


Here is a simplified analytic explanation:

[EDIT]
SAME VIDEO AS ABOVE

[Larz]

LOL! We both linked the same video! But I'm glad you also responded cuz I'm wondering just how much extra work is involved when I need to remove the engine cover. Can these strut bars be taken off and re-installed easily? or are they a PIA to remove?

[EdBwoy]

Nice! Great minds, as they say. I need to type faster.

Installation is usually pretty straightforward. Remove 2 or 3 nuts at the top of the strut tower, lay the strut bar flange and torque the nuts back down.
Some of them have hinged joints, which makes subsequent removal/ installation attempts easier. I'm hoping for the V6 at least, that the bar gives you enough room so you can slip the engine cover out.
I'd have to find links to the pictures, but IIRC, soulfunction made strut bars for our cars recently.

[cfrankling]

Thanks for your responses guys, will take a look at the video.