Hello,

I have questions about strut tower reinforcement plates UNDER vs TOP. From the threads I read here some go with under and some on top.

Others highly praised the TOP and also the UNDER. and some say top have no protection at all or say useless compared to under.

Here are my questions I am doing my struts this coming month.

1. For those using the TOP plates, any complaints so far? like the tower mushroomed again?
2. If using the UNDER plates ( 4.0- 4.7mm thickness ) will this change my alignment? or do i need an alignment?
3. Any complaints with UNDER plates? no mushrooming?
4. Top or Under did it fail on you? how many miles did it take?

Thank you.

 

I have both - CravenSpeed under plates and M7 top plates. What I refer to as "the sandwich".
Therefore (in my case), there is absolutely little to none, chance of ever mushrooming.
While I'm confident in this 'double indemnity', In my opinion; under plates provide the most protection against mushrooming.
As for under plates option - Fixed or adjustable camber plates (1/4" - 1/2") by themselves would probably offer the best of both worlds.

Just my opinion.

 

Had top strut braces on for several years no problem.

 

Mine has Helix adjustable camber plates below, M7 plates (w/o M7's cross-brace bar) on top plus OEM R52 cabrio braces mounted too. No mushrooming whatsoever, however my R53 currently has just 8.3k total miles...

 

I have under-plates on my MC40 and they seem to work fine. Any time you disconnect your suspension, your alignment will change.

 

Given the choice, underators offer better protection than top mounted strut defenders. They will however slightly raise your ride height in front.