Is an Aftermarket Strut Tower Brace Worth it on a B9 S4?

[Southpaw07]

After owning four B8's (S4, S4, S5, RS5) and driving a B8 equipped with Alu Kreuz, that it made a noticeable difference in steering feel and handling. Car was a bit more responsive in steering and handling and overall felt more sporty.
I'm wondering if any of the aftermarket strut braces available for the B9 S4 will also be a noticeable upgrade.

I'm specifically looking at the one offered by ECS Tuning as well as 034 Motorsports.

Owners chime in..

[z_wrecker]

I’ve read a few posts about RS5 owners and making a big difference, so I ended up purchasing ECS one. It’s in the box with my extra hook and led trunk light waiting to go on. So no real feedback


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[HyperM3]

I had the 034 brace on my A4 and then moved it to my S4. It made a much more noticeable difference on the A4, very minor on the S4.

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[BrockDM]

I'm running the Racingline brace and love it. The front end feels more connected and rigid especially over uneven surfaces.

[Southpaw07]

I'm running the Racingline brace and love it. The front end feels more connected and rigid especially over uneven surfaces.

That's a great looking piece. How do you find the steering? My biggest gripe with my B9 S4 is the steering. It just feels too vague, even in dynamic mode.

[BrockDM]

That's a great looking piece. How do you find the steering? My biggest gripe with my B9 S4 is the steering. It just feels too vague, even in dynamic mode.

It's better but don't expect it to feel heavier if that's what you're going for. I don't have the dynamic steering package (I really wish I did) so my steering feel is pretty light. The bar will help a little but it will never compare to a car spec'd with the dynamic steering pack

[Mops@Nemesis]

It's better but don't expect it to feel heavier if that's what you're going for. I don't have the dynamic steering package (I really wish I did) so my steering feel is pretty light. The bar will help a little but it will never compare to a car spec'd with the dynamic steering pack

My S4 has Dynamic Steering and my SQ5 does not. It's night and day. I ordered the SQ without so I could realize the difference... that was a stupid move. 😛

[Goonz]

I too have the 034 strut tower brace without the dynamic steering package and have barely noticed any difference - I'm lowered on H&Rs

[BrockDM]

My S4 has Dynamic Steering and my SQ5 does not. It's night and day. I ordered the SQ without so I could realize the difference... that was a stupid move. 😛

I totally agree. That's the one regret that I have with my S4 spec. Our RS5 SB had it and every time I got back into my car I hated it lmao

[SHCKR]

I have the dynamic steering, and have been pondering over the braces and inserts. This car will never see the track, not while it's a daily driver, and IMHO I think braces and inserts will ruin it for everyday use. Based on the responses so far, it looks like they make no difference at all at best...
There's a really good Engineering Explained video on how they work:
https://youtu.be/-S6H7ZdzBfE

And one that shows why some suspension mods are bad, anti roll bars are at about 9.5 minutes:
https://youtu.be/K_JlpS_QDgM