I was wondering if anyone could give me some more assistance with installing the OMP Strut Brace. I already looked at Volvospeed.com and had some additional questions about the installation.

Here are the questions I have before I even attempt the install:

1. Does anyone know the correct torque values when reinstalling the strut bolts?

2. Do I remove the black piece that holds the ABS cable and reinstall that piece over the brace?

3. Do I need to get a front-end alignment after I install the brace?

4. Do I move the washers that are currently between the bolts and tower to above the strut brace or below the strut brace? It looks like if you leave the black ABS holder I would leave them below the brace for leveling.

Thanks again in advance for the help!!!

Scott K

Well I installed the strut brace tonight; it went fairly well. It took some time filing the holes in the brace. I needed to file more then one hole to get the brace on. I left the black ABS bracket under the brace as well as the washers.

There is definitely a difference in performance, even with the stock suspension. I would definitely recommend this upgrade to anyone who wants to increase the feel of his or her Volvo. If you want more specifics about the ride difference just drop me a line.

Thank you again everyone for the help, especially Charles.

Scott K

I'm interested in hearing any details you want to share that you've noticed after installing the brace.

I was thinking this might cut down on my sunroof shade rattle in addition to improving performance (of course).

Adam, I will try and explain some of the most dramatic differences I noticed.

1. Immediately, before I even moved the car and turned the steering wheel, the feel of the wheel was just flat out solid. Before there was some (you wouldn't ever noticed it if you didn't just install the brace) body flex when you turn the wheel left and right.

2. When going into hard turns the front end just didn't flex or pitch nearly as much.

3. At very high highway speeds (safely driven, hey it's a Volvo), the car did not vibrate at all, it use to vibrate lightly around 85-90mph, now it doesn’t at that speed and above.

I’m sure the list is longer, but these differences stood out the most, and I’ve only had the brace since this past Monday (January 15). Overall the car just felt more solid.

Hope this helps,

Scott K

Thanks for the quick review Scott. I've been holding off on this upgrade for some time because I haven't heard anyone's impressions of it after installing it. Yes, with the stiffened suspension on my car, I have discovered that the 850 platform is not as solid-feeling as some of it's German counterparts and was hoping to cure some of the quivers and jolts the front end exhibits on bumpy corners. CFI is the place to go and I remember hearing that at one time it was on sale for US $120. I assume you purchased it recently, how much does the brace cost now?

I purchased the strut brace on January 11th; the original cost of the brace was $139.00. But I mentioned Volvospeed and even though the promotion expired 12/31/00 Peter, the person at CFI who picked up the phone, was nice enough to drop the price of the brace to $125.00 with UPS ground shipping.

Even if I had to pay the full price I would say the brace is still an excellent purchase for anyone who wants to improve the feel and handling of their Volvo. Just be sure to have something to file the holes out a little, plan on spending a good amount of the install time filing the holes if you plan on doing it by hand.

Hope this helps

Scott K

I just ordered mine!!!

Sale price is $125 with Volvospeed discount, plus shipping.

He told me this would fit my V70. Hopefully, it will.

Bright yellow, eh. Hmm, we'll have to see. I'd really like to get it chrome plated!!! That and my air pipe to the turbo.

My baby performed VERY well today, saving me in the rain from rear ending some MORON who decided to stop dead for a J-walker!!! I love ABS. I love my new Pirelli P7000SS's. I LOVE MY VOLVO!!! So I bought it a present as a reward.

Do you have a phone number to order the brace?

1-800-989-9260, ask for Pete, he was very helpful.

Scott K

I don't know about that particular brand of strut brace BUT I do know that it should be bolted directly to the top of each strut (nothing under it, like brackets), bolts-tight! (not critical IMHO). No alignment is needed.

1. Does anyone know the correct torque values when reinstalling the strut bolts?

You will have to ask someone else to be sure but mine are always at around 30 lb/ft

2. Do I remove the black piece that holds the ABS cable and reinstall that piece over the brace?

You can do it a few differnt ways. I felt my ABS cable loose and tucked it under the brace

3. Do I need to get a front-end alignment after I install the brace?

No.

4. Do I move the washers that are currently between the bolts and tower to above the strut brace or below the strut brace? It looks like if you leave the black ABS holder I would leave them below the brace for leveling.

If you leave the ABS holder on the right side leave the washers. If no then there is no need for the washers.