How to Install a Tower Brace on Subaru WRX VA

By REMARK Exhaust | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to installing a tower brace on your Subaru WRX or STI VA chassis. Learn the tools, torque specs, and common pitfalls for a clean DIY install.

Quick answer

Installing a tower brace on your Subaru WRX or STI VA (2015-2021) is a straightforward DIY job that takes about 30 minutes. The key is to use a hand-fabricated stainless steel brace like the r.m.k design Tower Brace for a precise fit and long-lasting finish.

Why a tower brace matters for the VA chassis

The Subaru WRX and STI VA chassis are known for decent rigidity, but the front strut towers still flex under hard cornering. A tower brace ties the two towers together, reducing flex and improving steering response. This is one of the most cost-effective handling upgrades you can do, especially if you already have upgraded springs or coilovers.

Choosing the right brace: stainless steel matters

Not all tower braces are equal. A brace made from T304 stainless steel, like the r.m.k design Tower Brace, resists corrosion and maintains its strength over time. The brushed finish also blends well with the stock engine bay. The brace weighs only 2.0 lbs, so it adds negligible weight while providing real structural benefit.

Installation steps

1. Prepare the car and tools: Park on a level surface and let the engine cool if it has been running. You will need a 12mm socket, a 12mm wrench, a torque wrench, and optionally some thread locker. Open the hood and locate the three studs on each strut tower. Common mistake: installing on a hot engine bay can cause burns and make the nuts harder to remove. Always let it cool.
2. Remove the factory nuts: Using the 12mm socket, remove the three nuts from the top of each strut tower. Keep them in a safe place; you will reuse them. Some cars may have plastic covers over the studs; pop those off first. Checkpoint: if a nut is seized, apply penetrating oil and wait a few minutes. Do not force it.
3. Position the tower brace: Place the r.m.k design Tower Brace over the studs on both towers. The brace should sit flush against the strut top. If it does not, check that the studs are aligned and the brace is oriented correctly. Common mistake: forcing the brace onto misaligned studs can damage the threads. Adjust the brace position gently.
4. Hand-tighten the nuts: Thread the original nuts back onto all six studs by hand. Tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Do not fully torque them yet. Checkpoint: use a small amount of thread locker on each stud to prevent loosening over time.
5. Torque to specification: Using a torque wrench, tighten each nut to 14-18 ft-lbs (19-24 Nm). Work in a crisscross pattern again. Do not overtighten, as the studs can strip. Common mistake: overtightening can strip the studs or crack the strut tower. Stick to the spec.
6. Final check and test drive: Double-check that all nuts are tight and the brace is secure. Close the hood and take the car for a short test drive. You may notice sharper turn-in and less vibration through the steering wheel. Checkpoint: after 100 miles, recheck the torque on all nuts. They can settle slightly.

Product details

r.m.k design - Tower Brace - Subaru WRX / STI VA [2015-2021]: Full T304 Stainless Steel construction, hand TIG-welded and fabricated, brushed finish, 2.0 lbs weight. Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion far better than painted mild steel, and the hand-fabricated welds ensure a precise fit on the VA chassis.
r.m.k design - Tower Brace - Subaru WRX / STI VA [2015-2021]