Mod Guide: How-To Install a Rear Strut Tower Brace
#1
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just got around to putting a rear strut tower brace (STB) on my Monte and I figured I might as well take pictures of the process for the forum. ![Big Grin](https://montecarloforum.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
To start, you will need the following:
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBInstallPartsNeeded.jpg)
A Rear STB from GM (Part#:12498648) and a set of Rear Brackets from Don Rome.
As for the tools needed I used a socket wrench, 5/8" Deep Socket, 5/8" Regular Socket, and a 13mm socket. I couldn't get the deep socket on both so I had to do some balancing with the regular socket.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBInstallTools.jpg)
First you have to climb into your trunk (not difficult for me) and then peel back the carpet from the rear strut tower. You will see 2 nuts that you will need to take off (5/8") and then you just place the bracket on the bolts and put the nuts back on loosely.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBBracketInstall.jpg)
Now repeat for the other side. Then you set the STB bar in the middle 2 holes, and use the bolts (13 mm) that Don Rome supplied to attach the bar to the new brackets.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/STBonBracket.jpg)
Now that everything is on, you should begin to tighten the bolts. 10 ft/lb for the STB bar and 35 ft/lb for the brackets.
Congratulations, your car will now have significantly less give when taking a turn.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBInstalled.jpg)
To put an STB on the front of your car, you can also get brackets from Don Rome and just do the same on the front of the car. I had one from the factory, so I did not need to take that route.
![Big Grin](https://montecarloforum.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
To start, you will need the following:
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBInstallPartsNeeded.jpg)
A Rear STB from GM (Part#:12498648) and a set of Rear Brackets from Don Rome.
As for the tools needed I used a socket wrench, 5/8" Deep Socket, 5/8" Regular Socket, and a 13mm socket. I couldn't get the deep socket on both so I had to do some balancing with the regular socket.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBInstallTools.jpg)
First you have to climb into your trunk (not difficult for me) and then peel back the carpet from the rear strut tower. You will see 2 nuts that you will need to take off (5/8") and then you just place the bracket on the bolts and put the nuts back on loosely.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBBracketInstall.jpg)
Now repeat for the other side. Then you set the STB bar in the middle 2 holes, and use the bolts (13 mm) that Don Rome supplied to attach the bar to the new brackets.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/STBonBracket.jpg)
Now that everything is on, you should begin to tighten the bolts. 10 ft/lb for the STB bar and 35 ft/lb for the brackets.
Congratulations, your car will now have significantly less give when taking a turn.
![](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/chibiblacksheep/RearSTBInstalled.jpg)
To put an STB on the front of your car, you can also get brackets from Don Rome and just do the same on the front of the car. I had one from the factory, so I did not need to take that route.
#7
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nice writeup Mike, Did the rear bar tighten ride up I know front bar did I was wondering if rear bar was worth installing ? Thanks MIke
Last edited by zjerry; 04-04-2011 at 05:39 PM.
#8
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I haven't tested it out yet, but I have heard numerous people on NAIOA talk about how much of an improvement this was. Most said it was the single best mod they have done, so I had to jump in on it lol.
After I go for a drive I'll update.
After I go for a drive I'll update.