Is A Strut Or Chassis Brace What I Need?

Strut and chassis braces improve chassis rigidity enhancing driver feedback and sharpening handling performance as well as improving ride quality.

How can a rigid chassis improve ride quality?

The chassis is the foundation of your Volvo and all suspension functions are transmitted through it. Chassis flex is experienced by the driver as vague or inconsistent responsiveness to steering and brake inputs and an unsettling feel when driving hard. As the suspension reacts to irregularities in the road surface such as potholes, bridge joints, railroad tracks, driveways, etc. the shock or impact can be imparted to the chassis via flex. Ideally these obstacles are soaked up by the tires, shocks, springs and bushings of the car, but some of the energy can be transmitted to the chassis and is felt as body shake and shudder during chassis flex.

During enthusiastic or spirited driving chassis flex can be experienced as poor response to steering input. Another common characteristic is the inability of the car to take a smooth “set” in long sweeping corners requiring constant correction to hold the line. In extreme cases, the flex can be severe enough to alter wheel alignment while under load, significantly reducing the cornering ability.

When should you install a chassis brace?

We generally recommend braces be installed after anti-sway bars and performance shocks for the driver that wants the improved precision feel they can provide. We have quite a bit if experience with Volvo suspension upgrades, so feel free to call us if you’d like more info on making your Volvo handle better

Adding performance shocks, stiffer springs and wide low-profile tires puts additional stress on the front strut towers. A strut brace connects both towers reducing movement and flex under high cornering loads.