Chassis Braces

Does the front end twist, or does the steering feel imprecise when you push hard into a corner? Chassis braces tie the strut towers or other points of the body together, so the chassis can flex less under load. They are for you if you want to sharpen steering feel on the street or at a track day.

What a strut brace does

A strut brace connects the two strut towers so they can move less relative to each other when the car is loaded in corners and over bumps. How big the difference is depends on the car's body and how stiff it already is. If you want to brace several areas in your project, the braces can be combined with chassis reinforcement plates or subframe braces.

How to choose a chassis brace

Choose based on the car, the available space and what you want to achieve:

• Position: There are braces for both front and rear, e.g. the Cusco Strut Bar in front and rear versions.
• Construction: BMR Suspension offers, for example, 2-point braces and a twin tube design version for the Dodge Challenger.
• Engine bay space: Check the clearance to the intake, wiring and other parts. Some braces require a wiring harness bracket to be relocated, or only fit cars without ABS.
• Finish: Several braces are available in different finishes, e.g. black hammertone or red.

Installation and maintenance

The braces are typically mounted on the strut towers' existing bolts, but this depends on the product. Always check the fitment for the specific part number, and re-torque the bolts after a short drive. Brands in this category include Cusco, UMI Performance, Perrin Performance and QA1. You can find more body parts under chassis components.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a front and rear strut brace?

A front brace connects the strut towers in the engine bay, while a rear brace typically sits between the rear towers in the boot or cabin. Which one makes the most noticeable difference depends on the car and the rest of its suspension.

Does a chassis brace need to be approved for inspection?

That depends on the product and the car. Look into the rules for modifications on your car, and check the documentation for the specific part number before fitting the brace to a registered car.

Can a strut brace hit other parts in the engine bay?

Yes, it can happen. Some braces require, for example, a bracket to be relocated, or only fit certain trim variants such as cars without ABS. Read the product description carefully and measure the space before installation.