After much research ive found that all strut tower bars are not the same. The cheaper ones just bolt on. where as the higher priced ones are preloadable. I searched the org but only came up with info on how to preload your rack.

So my question is how do you preload a strut tower bar? I didnt put my front on. Took car to dealership for oil change and other work and the mechanic saw it in the back seat and installed it. Nice guy.

Im planning on putting in the rear strut tower bar saturday along with the RSB.

 

I believe it really isn't necessary to "PreLoad" the strut bar. The job of the strut bar is to brace the strut towers. You don't need preload to do this, just a very stable, strong hold to transfer load and keep the body solid. PreLoading it is only going to put the towers under unwanted stress all the time. Some, however, may disagree with this theory.

There was a link to a web site the explained exactly what forces the strut bar sees. There is actually more force pulling of the oposite tower then forcing outward on the tower under the cornering load. This was confirmed by measuring the actual load on the bar. So preload really does nothing for you. It should fit snug and tight on the towers while your car is on level ground.

 

just install it with the car on the ground and not in the air.

 

njmaxseltd your comments seem logical about stress. I was under the impression the purpose of preloading is to apply forces to the struts to keep them in the upright position.

as far as installation "got rice" yes install with the car on the ground.

Anyone else?

 

So exactly how hard is it to do the RSB and the FSB... I mean is it a beer and a buddy on a weekend type of deal or what?

 

about 6 bolts 1 beer 20 mins per bar.