Dinan Strut Brace Question....

bsprtsgrp · #1 03-23-2007, 01:52 PM

Is the Dinan Strut Brace a DIY install or does it need to be installed at the dealer? I had heard Dinan recommended having the X slightly lifted so the strut towers were fully extended before the brace was installed.

Sterling 4.4 · #2 03-23-2007, 02:07 PM

I did mine myself. You have to cut the winshield washer fluid reservoir, so dremmel tool is handy.

AlpineMsix · #3 03-23-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsprtsgrp

Is the Dinan Strut Brace a DIY install or does it need to be installed at the dealer? I had heard Dinan recommended having the X slightly lifted so the strut towers were fully extended before the brace was installed.

did mine myself as well... the lift thing sounds kinda smart never thought bout it.. but then again ive never heard of anyone lifting their car prior to installing a strut brace, so im guessin its not that big of a deal.. or maybe they just want u to pay that labor who knows? just do it urself its a piece of cake

2002Silver4.6is · #4 03-23-2007, 03:28 PM

I did mine myself and had to cut nothing. I did unscrew the washer reserve tank to do the install.

Dylandog · #5 03-23-2007, 03:39 PM

Who else makes strut bars besides Dinan? 600.00 seems a little high. My parts guy says they can't discount Dinan parts.

2002Silver4.6is · #6 03-23-2007, 03:45 PM

There is a really nice strut brace that is sold on Ebay. Nice quality and good look to it. Search on here for Strut Brace and you will find the thread. I have the Dinan strut brace and I agree that $600 is way too much!

toohotdoc · #7 03-23-2007, 10:51 PM

question: What exactly does the strut do? is it for better handling or jsut cosmetics......???

kishg · #8 03-23-2007, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toohotdoc

question: What exactly does the strut do? is it for better handling or jsut cosmetics......???

it keeps the distance between the strut towers constant. i.e. reduces body flex under hard cornering. it's diy. i havent seen any good alternatives to dinan for e53s. I have the dinan one on my e39 but got a sparco on the e30.

toohotdoc · #9 03-24-2007, 03:14 AM

so what would i notice if i get this.....does the car tilt less or corner better.....sorry guys, i aint a mechanic, i just was wonderin, becauase for a 600buck upgrade, i wouldnt mind, but any other advantages i could notice other than esthetics.....thanks

2002Silver4.6is · #10 03-24-2007, 12:21 PM

toohotdoc

Essentially the strut brace is there to stiffen the front end under more extreme situations. If you were to drive your X5 on the race track with and without the strut bar you would most likely feel the difference and perhaps slighly lower lap times with the strut bar.

For normal around town driving there is no difference. Now, if you rip it up like Mario Andretti on the way to the supermarket you may feel a difference!!! I would like to drive my X like that but tires are too expensive and I do not want to loose my liscence!!

I have the Dinan strut bar and I will be honest I bought it beacuse I like the look of it. As much fun as it would be I do not think I will ever subject my X5 to the race track.