Strut brace - '89

The factory workshop manual in the section about removing the engine advises that the bar is to be removed only with the wheels on the ground because it is in tension . With the weight of the car on the wheels the "spring towers" would be pushed toward each other , the gap between the fenders at a minimum . The bar is to be put back on with the wheels on the ground . And yes that bar is not very strong I HAVE bent one over my knee . I believe it is strong in tension (pulling apart) but not so in compression (pushing on each end) .
If the bar is installed with wheels off the ground then lowered to the ground it is being compressed and that may be why so many get bent (bowed) .
The hundreds of car we have taken apart , I have never seen a windshield break while moving around a car pulling the engine .

Jim Bailey

928 International