Install lower strut bar on a VW Mk1 Golf

A Lower Strut brace or bar is a metal brace between the two lower points of the front suspension, running under the engine. It's relatively easy to install and improves handling.

Approx. time: 15mins
Approx. cost $100AUD

You'll need

A lower strut brace, like this one (Weichers WC411W513001).
19mm socket, maybe a breaker bar
Jack and jack stands
Loctite

Step 1 - Raise the car, position jack stands

Raise the front wheels of the car and position it on jack stands, ensuring it is stable.

You can remove the wheels for visibility, but you don't need to.

Step 2 - Remove the wishbone bolts

The wishbones are the curved metal pieces connecting the bottom par of the strut to the chassis. They look like a lower case 'r'.

Remove the long bolts connecting the wishbones to the car chassis with a 19mm socket. You may need a breaker bar.

Don't worry about the wishbones moving or falling. They're 'cradled' in place by the chassis.

Lower Strut Brace install - wishbone bolt

Step 3 - Install the strut brace

Simply place the ends of the strut brace over the holes you just removed the bolts from and re-insert the bolts. Add some Loctite to the bolt's thread to ensure they don't move.

Tighten each side in turn evenly, but do not fully tighten yet. You may need some force to 'tug' the strut brace into place.

Once the strut brace is in place ensure the bolts are in firmly but not too tightly. You will need to lower the car before finishing tightening them up so that the rubber bushes within the wishbone are in they're 'natural' state with the car's weight on them.

Step 4 - Lower the car and tighten the bolts

With the car lowered and resting on it's own weight tighten up the bolts.

This can be a little tricky, so use the steering wheel to move the wheels out of your way as best you can.

Note: some lower strut braces come with flat flanges to allow you to attach the brace directly to the chassis or wishbones, but this usually requires drilling.

First published: 02/10/17
Last updated: 24/03/23

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