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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: VR6_ROB on 25 January 2009, 12:07

Title: strut brace
Post by: VR6_ROB on 25 January 2009, 12:07

where can I get a decent strut brace I have been on ebay and they all seem cheap tat to me
I need one by the end of the month when the car goes into the bodyshop be best getting it fitted while its in there

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: DarnPB on 25 January 2009, 12:24

Me too. I need one for my G60 and I had the same thought as VR6Rob regarding the ebay ones.

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: cняis on 25 January 2009, 14:41

as in the ebay ones are often aluminium which is a soft metal therefore probably flexing under stress!

dont janspeed do something? or demon tweeks?

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: Diamond Hell on 25 January 2009, 15:13

Aluminimum alloy can come in a wide range of flavours with extremely diverse characteristics.  The alloy tubing used should be as stiff as steel, or chromoly tubing.

The big factor is actually how you mount the brace to the car.  Most of the braces are bolted to the strut towers with three bolts.  The feet on the braces are normally steel, so you could up the effectiveness of the brace through the simple expedient of welding the mounting plates to the towers.  This will have far greater impact than mithering about the material the tube is (which by dint of it's shape will be pretty strong).

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: DarnPB on 25 January 2009, 20:00

Quote from: cняis on 25 January 2009, 14:41

as in the ebay ones are often aluminium which is a soft metal therefore probably flexing under stress!

dont janspeed do something? or demon tweeks?

I would hardly think it would be pure aluminium, but it depends what is has been alloyed with. Aluminium alloys can nearly be as strong as steel when mixed correctly with other materials. That is what planes are made of!

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: maplesyrup on 28 January 2009, 15:53

Alloy is generaly stiffer and lighter than the equivalent thickness steel, but more brittle, which is nothing to worry about because its a brace and should not be under too much stress.

I would buy an alloy one for looks and weight, idealy a straight one with no bend in it unlike some I have seen.....

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: maplesyrup on 28 January 2009, 16:18

My mk1 had an alloy Eibach brace which was very well made and looked the nuts but they don't seem to do them anymore  :sad:

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh214/maplesyrup78/Golf011.jpg)

I've just had a scout around and the best brace I could find is an OMP one, they list them in steel and alloy.....

I would like to find a good one myself as I've got some koni's to fit in the next couple of weeks and it would be a good time to fit a brace.

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: jacko16v on 28 January 2009, 16:56

I have a omp brace that is spare if its any good 2 you?

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: Tom mk2 on 28 January 2009, 20:08

I might be interested in the omp strut brace, how much you after?

Title: Re: strut brace
Post by: AWK-53 on 29 January 2009, 17:53

Neuspeed do one - available from Awesome GTI