Benefits of a Brace bar?

[Ryley]

G'day,

I was just wondering what the benefits of a brace bar are? I've heard the it keeps your front wheels alligned while your turning?

I'd appreciate it if someone who knew more about them would be able to fill me in.

Thanks!

[VR028]

the brace or sturt bar stiffens up the chassis so during cornering there is less flex. it improves steering feel etc but by how much is debateable. i have used them before on many cars and i do believe they are worth it

[VYMAD]

I take it You mean a strut brace? I have a Holden one on my VY, and it doesn't make the vehicle feel "exceptionally rigid" while cornering, but it does make a slight difference. I believe it's better for the vehicle to have one as it is tying in the top of the struts. And for $50-$60 why not?

[Ryley]

Yeah sorry! I was talking about a strut brace bar. You can buy them genuine from Holden can't you?

[Darren_L]

a strut bar reduces front chassis flex, particularly during hard cornering which usually results in better handling as the wheel alignment settings remain more consistant.
It also helps reduce 'strut tower sag' which is fairly common on the early model Commodores in particular.

I don't think you'd notice any difference during normal driving conditions, but if you take your car out on the track, the improvements should be noticeable.