Scion xD Strut Bars
From SCION-TECH : The Scion Resource : tC, xA, xB, xD
There are many different types of chassis braces, with the most common being strut tower braces (aka strut bars) on the front or rear of your Scion xD. Not all cars use actual struts though the term "strut brace" is still used to describe a brace between shock towers. The upper strut mounts are some of the weakest points on the Scion xD suspension, so adding a stiffening brace between them is a great way to strengthen your suspension.
A MacPherson Strut integrates the wheels upper link point into the actual strut. A significant amount of load is located by and dealt with the strut on the Scion xD. Vertical loads from the wheel pass through the strut and spring up to the strut top and towers which leads to flex in the metal fender around the strut tower and inner fenders. The amount of flex can vary but it will have an impact on the ability of the rest of the suspension to control the Scion xD as well as the camber and toe settings throughout the compression.
Though not as noticeable or effective, shock tower braces on newer cars such as the Scions, will make a difference. The actual equivalent load point is usually an upper control arm and its locating points on the inner fender. Strengthening these Scion xD points is the preferred option.
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Available Front Strut Tower Bars
These front strut tower braces are direct bolt in components for the Scion xD. The installation is a breeze and takes only a few minutes. No cutting or alteration of the xD engine bay or cowl is required.
Tanabe
Part #: TTB121F Material: ? Manufacturer: Tanabe
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Available Rear Strut Bars
The rear strut braces come in different designs for the Scion xD. Each brand has taken a different approach to the design and implementation. most of these will require cutting and/or modification of trim panels below your Scion xD's trunk (inside the wheel well).
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Strut Bar from Wikipedia
A strut bar or strut brace is a mostly aftermarket car suspension accessory used in conjunction with MacPherson struts on monocoque or unibody chassis to provide extra strength between the strut towers.
With a MacPherson strut suspension system where the spring and shock absorber are combined in the one suspension unit, the entire vertical suspension load is transmitted to the top of the vehicle's strut tower, unlike a double wishbone suspension where the spring and shock absorber may share the load separately. In general terms, a strut tower in a monocoque chassis is a reinforced portion of the inner wheel well and is not necessarily directly connected to the main chassis rails. For this reason there is inherent flex within the strut towers relative to the chassis rails.
A strut bar is designed to reduce this strut tower flex by tying two parallel strut towers together. This transmits the load of each strut tower during cornering via tension and compression of the strut bar which shares the load between both towers and reduces chassis flex.
A direct result of this is improved chassis rigidity (similar to that gained from a lower tie bar); hence, the understeer is reduced, tire wear improved and metal fatigue is greatly reduced in the strut tower area. Following the aftermarket's lead, some manufacturers have started fitting strut bars to performance models, including the Nissan Skyline], Mazda RX-8, Acura CL Type-S, BMW e46 M3 CSL, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the HOLDEN VY II Commodore, as standard equipment.
Strut Bar FAQ
What are torque settings for the front and rear?
Front:38ft-lbs
Rear: 59ft-lbs
