Strut bar facts for kids

A strut bar mounted in a car's engine bay.

A strut bar (also called a strut brace or strut tower brace) is a special part added to a car's suspension system. Think of it like a strong metal bar that connects the top parts of the car's front or rear suspension. It's mostly used in cars that have a type of suspension called a MacPherson strut. This bar helps make the car's frame, or chassis, stronger and more rigid, especially when the car is turning.

What is a Strut Bar?

A strut bar is a metal bar that connects the two "strut towers" in a car. These towers are strong points where the car's suspension parts, like the MacPherson struts, are attached to the car's body. Most modern cars use a "unibody" design, which means the body and frame are built as one piece. While this design is good, adding a strut bar can make it even stiffer.

Why Cars Need Strut Bars

Cars need to be strong and stable, especially when driving fast or turning corners. When a car turns, the forces on its body can cause the frame to twist or flex a tiny bit. This flexing can make the car feel less stable and harder to control. A strut bar helps to reduce this twisting.

How Strut Bars Improve Driving

• Better Handling: By making the car's frame stiffer, the strut bar helps the car respond more quickly and accurately when you steer. This means the car can turn corners more smoothly.
• More Stable Ride: When the frame is more rigid, the car's suspension system can work better. This can lead to a more stable and predictable ride, especially on bumpy roads or during quick turns.
• Reduced Body Flex: Imagine pushing on a cardboard box versus a metal box. The metal box is much harder to bend. A strut bar helps make your car's frame more like the metal box, reducing unwanted bending.

Types of Strut Bars

Strut bars come in different designs, but their main job is always the same: to connect the strut towers. Some are simple straight bars, while others might have a few bends to fit around engine parts. They are usually made from strong, lightweight metals like aluminum or steel.

Front and Rear Strut Bars

• Front Strut Bars: These are the most common type. They connect the front strut towers, which are usually located in the engine bay. This helps improve steering response and front-end stability.
• Rear Strut Bars: Some cars also have rear strut bars, which connect the rear strut towers. These help improve the car's stability from the back, especially during hard cornering.

Installation and Use

Strut bars are usually easy to install because they bolt directly onto existing points on the car's strut towers. While they are often added by car enthusiasts who want to improve their car's performance, some cars even come with a strut bar from the factory, especially sports cars or performance models.

Images for kids

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  A factory-installed strut bar in an Oldsmobile Regency.

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  A front strut bar installed in a car.

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  A combined strut bar and overflow container in a Saab Sonett mk2.

See also

In Spanish: Barra antitorsión para niños