Racingline Performance Strut Tower Bar Issues

[BigBuffalo]

I just got the Strut Tower bar in I was trying to install the brackets. After removing the OEM bolts I place the bracket in place but it does not seem to sit flush with top of the strut tower. Is this normal? Or are my brackets bent. If anyone can help me out that would be amazing. Thank you.

[seldomseen]

Can you post pics showing exactly what the problem is?

[KMiller]

Also not knowing what the exact problem is, but if I have an idea, I avoided a similar problem by following the instructions of a post on this site. I installed the Stillen but it shouldn't make a difference. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/helpfu ... brace.html

[seldomseen]

The Stillen strut tower bar will sit/install flush due to the different installation/bracket design. The RL strut tower bar will install correctly, but will bend the circular "caps" on the OEM strut tower brace, due to the fact the that mounting brackets are straight, and not contoured. The good news is that, this will not affect the oem or RL strut tower bar.

The RL strut tower brace will be realized immediately, especially if you have an aftermarket rear sway bar installed. The RL strut tower bar will also create a slight bit more steering/suspension feedback on rough roads/surfaces too especially on the 3.5 variant. As much as the RL strut tower bar aides in making the Altima's steering response more nimble and precise, the Altima will still handle like a "pig", and won't make the Altima feel like a Z or GTR!

[b.mccorm11]

I'm having an issue with my RL Strut Tower Bar as well, just wondering if any of you ran into this and your thoughts on what I should do.

After much struggling I got both brackets bolted in place; one went in fairly easily but I could not get all three bolts on the other one to line up at the same time for the life of me. Eventually I was able to get it with an extra pair of hands, but as you can see in the pic I posted the bar itself doesn't line up with both brackets.

I've thought of two options to get around this unless someone here has a solution, and they are: 1. Drill a new hole through the bracket where the bar sits, or 2. I can bend the bar enough to slide the bolt through, but it seems like way too much flex considering it hits the rubber hood seal.
Any advice guys?

[seldomseen]

The bar will be a challenge to install for most folks. However, are you following the instructions provided? Did you lift one side of the car to alleviate pressure/weight load? In addition, do you have someone that can help you with the install? It's helpful to have someone assist with the install so that you can get everything aligned properly.

[BigBuffalo]

I couldn't get the bar to fit and I had both sides of my car lifted. I ended up saying f*** it to one side and took a step bit and drilled out the hole just enough to get the bracket on there.

[b.mccorm11]

Thanks gents, I'll try jacking up one side of the car and see if everything falls in place. If not, I'll be following in the steps of BigBuffalo

[BigBuffalo]

DRILL BABY DRILL!

[seldomseen]

Drilling new holes isn't necessary...

[b.mccorm11]

I'm not going to drill new holes per se, just going to widen the three existing ones on the bracket that attaches it to the strut tower a little so I can slide them farther apart to get the bar to fit better.
I'll post a pic of the finished product, I think it'll come out pretty solid

[seldomseen]

Whatever became of this situation?

[BigBuffalo]

I'm sure he took a bit and slightly widen the holes. Works just fine.

[b.mccorm11]

I may be late, but BigBuffalo would be correct. I grabbed a drill bit just a little larger than the holes on each end of the bar so the diameter of each were only slightly larger, and the bar slid in with hardly any tension at all. All is well!

[andremike]

Did tge 2010 altima coupe 3.5 sr come with a strut tower bar? I was looking at buying one, but it looks like there is one and its integrated in..

[seldomseen]

Did tge 2010 altima coupe 3.5 sr come with a strut tower bar? I was looking at buying one, but it looks like there is one and its integrated in..

Correct, the Altima coupe already has an OEM strut tower brace. Adding an aftermarket strut tower brace yields minuscule driving improvement with city driving. However, you will notice a significant improvements in the coupe's straight line stability at "high" speeds -- especially if your coupe has an aftermarket rear sway bar installed.

[andremike]

I dont even see how tge aftermarket one would even come close to fitting...

Should i add a new rear sway bar?

[seldomseen]

Definitely get the aftermarket sway bar.