Struts bar on 09 base...

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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metaxa44
Posts: 239
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:29 am
Location: Markham Village , Ontario

Struts bar on 09 base...

Post by metaxa44 »

Hi,

Is it a good improvement to intall a struts bar on a 09 base 1.8L Vibe ???
Should I do the brear one too???
Is it possible to do it with out removing winshield wiper assy ???
What makes are reccomended???
Where is a good place to get it ???
I am on Ontario so would be nice to know a supplyer up around here...

Thanks..
KITT222
Posts: 2257
Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2010 1:45 pm
Location: Flint, Michigan

Re: Struts bar on 09 base...

Post by KITT222 »

The upper strut bar does have an affect on handling. The rear lower one does, too, but that one has a little more of an effect. Really, any and all bars will do something. I even have an upper rear strut bar, and holy bananas, does that thing have an affect. But for someone who doesn't want a hardcore feel of the road (hi) I'd stick with the front upper, and rear bar. I can't vouch for the ease-of-install of the front one on the 09/10 models, but I'm sure another member (vibenvy?) will have more advice on that. However, just a guess, you may have to remove the wiper cowl, as it covers the strut towers.

Kijiji might have something, otherwise check Ebay for TRD bars for the 09-14 Matrix/Corolla. Maybe even Matrixowners.com (when it's up) or the Toyota Matrix bookFace page. I know I saw someone with a front upper for the second gen for sale there the other day.
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metaxa44
Posts: 239
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:29 am
Location: Markham Village , Ontario

Re: Struts bar on 09 base...

Post by metaxa44 »

Thanks KITT..
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Rayven01
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Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:07 pm

Re: Struts bar on 09 base...

Post by Rayven01 »

I installed the OEM GT strut bar on my base 09 (thanks Vibenvy!) and it made a big difference in lessening body roll on turns. Without it even though the tires were rock solid at speed on turns I had to take it slower or get thrown against the door.

You don't have to remove the wiper assembly but it makes the job a lot easier. Removing the wipers and shroud (simple) took less time than finagling the strut tower bolts with the shroud in the way. It was also a good chance and provided easy access to remove all the leaves and debris that made their way under there (a lot more than I expected).
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vibenvy
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Location: Sandwich, IL

Re: Struts bar on 09 base...

Post by vibenvy »

Our 2009 Vibe GTs came with OEM front strut tower braces which were okay, but I highly recommend the TRD front strut tower brace. I replaced our OEM braces with the TRD ones last summer and the difference is night and day. The OEM brace is 3 separate pieces bolted together and it's really heavy. The TRD one is a solid one-piece aluminum bar that weighs probably half as much as the OEM brace. It really tightened up the front end when turning, going around curves, cornering, etc. And it looks a lot nicer then the OEM brace which I always thought was pretty goofy looking.

I can't say from personal experience (because unfortunately it won't fit the 2009-2010 AWD or GT), but there are a couple members here (vibedrivermatt & MaSlade) who have installed the TRD rear anti-sway bar on their 2nd gen 2.4L Base Vibes and have said it made a huge difference.

vibedrivermatt actually posted how-tos for installing both the TRD front strut tower brace and the TRD rear anti-sway bar. I can also vouch that the strut tower brace comes with excellent instructions with pictures and all. I'm sure it's the same for the anti-sway bar.

As Rayven said, it is pretty easy to remove the windshield wipers and all the plastic cowl pieces and it gives you a lot more room to work. I too took advantage and cleaned up under the cowl panels while I had everything apart. There was quite a bit of crud under there :|.

As far as ordering, I highly recommend TRD Sparks. I'm reasonably sure they will ship to Canada. Their prices are awesome and they have super fast shipping.

Here are a few pictures...

OEM front strut tower brace
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OEM vs. TRD (I removed the TRD badge before installation. It’s held on with double sided tape.)
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TRD front strut tower brace
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2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
2009 Steel Blue Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
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metaxa44
Posts: 239
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:29 am
Location: Markham Village , Ontario

Re: Struts bar on 09 base...

Post by metaxa44 »

Thanks guys...
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