Strange sounds after TRD strut bar install

[bigbirdSCed]

ok well maby not strange. today i installed one and after doing so i noticed that in the car there was alot of noise commin from the engine bay. popped the hood and listened and it was normal, sat back in the car and all of the slight noises the car made before the install were now very loud.

the S/C at idle, any bumps, even the pads against the rotor were audiable(except when engine is under load). there was also more vibration through the steering wheel and dash. i inspected the strut bar several times to make sure all was right and tight, which it was. the car doesnt drive any different, cept if feels a little smoother in the corners. now im guessing that this thing is just transmitting vibrations alot more.

anyone else notice anything like this after their install? i know some of teh sound is my bad strut mount on the passenger side but it almost sounds like somthing else is loose as well.

[jdt.solara]

Well first see if anything else is loose... easier said then done I know. But the more vibration is probably due to the stiffer suspension as you said. How much is it vibrating?

[bigbirdSCed]

not alot but its definatly noticable. it really only does it at low rpms at low speeds, and idle. ive checked eveything in the engine bay and all is well. my guess is that its channeling the rattles and what not from the suspension.

[---CAMRAZY---]

Did you torque the nuts down?? And do you have a boost gauge? Some people have had problems with the fitting hitting the bar.

[CamryOnBronze]

^ right, check the boost gauge fitting and the washers on the strut mounts to make sure those are all there as well.

[bigbirdSCed]

yes all the bolts are tq'ed down and tight. but didnt think about the guage fitting ill check that. what needs to be done if it is? add washers to rais the bar im guessing.

[CamryOnBronze]

that is kind of the more ghetto way to do it, the other way is to get a low profile fitting for the boost gauge- there are a few threads about it if im not mistaken.

[bigbirdSCed]

that was it.

searched for it but no luck, i did bump it up to get it top stop rattling but where can i get a fitting? auto parts stores have them?

[Akfahad]

^^could try that or something with a 90 degree bend in it. I had to put 2 - 3 washers (can't remember) on each of the three posts the strut bar is mounted to and I still ended up cutting a knotch in the strut bar to prevent the boost nozzle from hitting it. It's a very slight notch tho, can't even tell there is one unless you look under the bar...another possibility

[99V6solaraSE]

i believe this was the thread

http://www.solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php? ... =low+brass

[CamryOnBronze]

I didnt have an issue at all on my charger- I think they changed the design at some point because mine is a good 2" away from the strut brace at all times. Maybe it had something to do with mine being a kit for the sienna...