1996 855 T5 - Strut brace = Alignment?

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 12 May 2016, 07:38

I just went and got myself an OMP strut brace, basically the exact same one that was on my old T5-R. Reading through some posts here and there, I'm getting mixed signals.

Some people lift the car to install it, some people leave it on the ground. Some people say get an alignment afterwards, others say that as long as you leave it on the ground, there's no way you can disturb alignment while putting this thing on. To me, it kind of looks like I couldn't get the alignment off by more than 1/4-1/2 degree no matter what I do to put it on, while the car's on the ground, but I get nervous in my old age.

Also, it's 28 ft/lbs for the bolts, yes?

Do you guys and gals have a preference/any advice?

- S

Post by **abscate** » 12 May 2016, 12:01

I can't see a logical argument for alignment. I don't think you distort the tower geometry, you just stiffen it

Post by **scot850** » 12 May 2016, 12:54

Leave the weight on the car. If you are concerned about the struts moving when the nuts are loosened, use a marker pen to circle the nuts and then loosen them and watch for movement. I sure you will se none as long as the car is not moved. Pop the brace on and re-torque nuts. Don't have to torque to hand and will have to look it up. Ok, it says 25NM or 18.44 ft/lb.

Neil.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 13 May 2016, 04:19

Thanks, guys.

I guess I'll just throw it in there, then. Much appreciated.

- S

Post by **scot850** » 13 May 2016, 12:29

Good Luck!

Neil.