Front Upper Strut Bar

[spc2125]

just ordered the strut bars
cant wait...

[spc2125]

Originally Posted by Papa Rad17

10m socket with wrench. and tools to tighten the bar components. (you should have them already) front, remover the 3 bolts, put on the rings, tighten down, adjust bar (they are pain to get in place on the front). rear, get 4 bolts to match the studes in the trunk. bolt mounts ontop of other bolt and the circle mount. put bar in place, tighten it all down. heres some pics

i was putting in the rear one and noticed it was not like front.
is the bar even once you place the bar ontop of the old bolts?

and for the front how do you tighten the bar, or is it suppose to be kind of loose? i tried tightening the bolt but i dont have that tool thats on the other side to hold it so it tightens

[Papa Rad17]

They need to be tight. Use a pair of channel locks for the side that looks like the giant allen wrench (or any fitting pliers) to grip that side. The rear bar needs to be mounted on top of the bolt and that damn circle thing-It's welded in place, and trust me, it doesn't move. So for the rear, you'll 4 bolts that match up to those studs, then just tighten it down on top of them.

[sleepyalero]

yeah really almost anything that says fits GA will fit the alero as well.

[spc2125]

I put in the front one and took it for a ride.
all i have to say is WOW.

but i need to find the size for the bolts so i can do the rear.
i was thinking 1/2 ..... can anybody confirm?
also how the hell do you tighten the rear bar cuz the bolt is practically right up against the trunk and there is no way i could fit a wrench on the other side to tighten it

any advise?

[a.graham52]

bolts or nuts? i thought you needed nuts. and a socket and ratchet work wunders...

describe the difference in handling if any. im interested in getting a set.

[spc2125]

Originally Posted by a.graham52

bolts or nuts? i thought you needed nuts. and a socket and ratchet work wunders...

describe the difference in handling if any. im interested in getting a set.

yes i meant nuts.

and the best i can describe it is like this
you are going around a turn and you let off the gas and take a wider turn.

but with the bar you dont have to let off the gas and you take tighter turns than you can imagine. you dont have to brace yourself for the turn. you stay in your seat instead of slidding to the side

[Papa Rad17]

^yup! you see what i was talking about? does your rear feel kinda loose though? you might not notice it until you get the bar put on... as for those nuts. i have a local store that has shelves of everything like that. i just took off the one nut from the rear and took it in so they could match up a few more. I dont remember any specs on them or anything though.
yes agraham, they are worth it. its kinda like taking a 5-10mph when your really doing 30-35. iv also noticed they help with weight distribution a ton. whenever friends got in the car if I had my eyes closed I tell where they got in due the body sag in that area of the car, with the bars it is much less noticeable. edit- lol, I saw you reply to the rear bar for sale, get the front one to!

[JLw7123]

I just ordered some strut bars and my lowering springs came in the mail all i need is some KYB gr2 or some AGX struts which i am buying this friday.

[MMGT1]

Hey guys, make sure you get the wheels off the ground when you install the strut bars if you can. No biggie, but they will pre-load when put back on the ground, makes them a little more effective.

[a.graham52]

Originally Posted by MMGT1

Hey guys, make sure you get the wheels off the ground when you install the strut bars if you can. No biggie, but they will pre-load when put back on the ground, makes them a little more effective.

good point! pm'd btw.

[spc2125]

Originally Posted by MMGT1

Hey guys, make sure you get the wheels off the ground when you install the strut bars if you can. No biggie, but they will pre-load when put back on the ground, makes them a little more effective.

what do you mean by this?

[MMGT1]

Instead of a static install, meaning no sitting pressure on the bars, when you install them with the wheels off the ground they will actually flex the bar a little bit when lowered back down. This will in turn make the install a little more rigid and make the transfer of energy between the towers happen just a little bit faster, and will also reduce the body roll a little bit more. This is a "trick" that road course guys will do to try and shave just a little bit more off their lap times to edge out that all important win!...lol

[a.graham52]

Originally Posted by MMGT1

Instead of a static install, meaning no sitting pressure on the bars, when you install them with the wheels off the ground they will actually flex the bar a little bit when lowered back down. This will in turn make the install a little more rigid and make the transfer of energy between the towers happen just a little bit faster, and will also reduce the body roll a little bit more. This is a "trick" that road course guys will do to try and shave just a little bit more off their lap times to edge out that all important win!...lol

i would suspect this could effect alignments. recommend getting an alignment after doing that?

[MMGT1]

Unless mounting holes are elongated, which they shouldn't be, its fine

[a.graham52]

i didnt know if you were kinda pushing the strut tops apart i figured it would mess with camber.

[Papa Rad17]

It wouldn't be that dramatic

[a.graham52]

it wouldnt take much either especially if your already borderline specs.

[spc2125]

wanna put the rear bar in this week or next but i still needa find those right nut
are all four nuts the same specs?
does anybody remember the specs on those?

[Papa Rad17]

All 4 are the same. Idk on any specs