How To….. Fit a Strut Brace (MK4) Astra-Sport Disclaimer - Please note that this is a guide only and Astra-Sport take NO responsibility for any damaged caused to yourself or vehicle whilst using this guide. If you are unsure how to do something leave it to the professionals. Your Insurance and warranty might be invalidated if this modification is done. Step 1 First, unclip the fuse box from the retaining brackets and carefully cut off the lug that’s on the side facing you, this has to done to allow the fuse box to fit properly. Then gently ease the fuse box forward, (you might have to loosen the positive lead connection on the battery as the cable is quite stiff) so that the rear clip fits into the front of the bracket on the car.
Depending on the make of brace – some modification the relay box may be needed to make it fit correctly. However there are numerous ways to do this, and none are applicable in all cases. Step 2 Remove the black plastic caps on the top of the both shock absorbers, undo the nuts and remove the top cups from the suspension struts.
Thanks to Pete for the the “How To”
Step 3 Position the strut brace on the car and refit the black cups and tighten up the nuts
Make sure that the front wheels are pointing dead ahead and then mark and carefully drill through the lugs with an 8.5mm drill. It’s then best to paint over the bare metal on the inner wing to prevent corrosion.
Step4 Now comes the tricky bit: fitting the bolts. You may be lucky and only have to jack the car up, and remove the wheels to be able to secure the nuts inside the wheel arch. However, if this proves impossible - with the car still jacked up, you’ll need to remove the top cups again and let the whole suspension drop a few inches. This will give you plenty of room to get a spanner in the gap, from the wheel arch. Once both bolts are tight refit the top cups (and wheel) and lower the car. Do the other side. Torque Wrench settings Strut upper mounting Road wheels
55Nm/41lbf ft 110Nm/81lbf ft Thanks to Pete for the the “How To”