The Strut Tower Brace really works!!!
Did research and a lot of people say a strut tower brace, especially a cheap one, is more for looks than function. Well, I decided to gamble and buy one on ebay for 89 bucks. worst case scenario, it would be decorative. Best case, I would actually notice a difference. (And yes, I was thinking it would just be decorative- I'm a skeptic by nature)
Let me tell you- I just installed it, and WOW!!!!! I'm a very happy dude! The difference is very noticeable. I live in Florida, and in my neighborhood I have a lot of washboard roads (trucks and drainage under the road). My 2013 Sorento does not behave very well on these roads AT ALL. I don't know if it's the body structure or suspension (or both), but the overall feeling is that something is moving in excess. The only word I can think of to describe it is "Jiggly".
I just drove down the worst part of the road after I installed the strut brace and the jiggle jiggle has been subdued 90%. I was so elated that I made 6 U turns just to do it again and again, all the while, I had a grin from ear to ear! A couple of added bonuses- My sorento goes over train tracks with a much more solid feel. AND, more importantly, when turning the wheel, initial turn in has improved. (when you 1st turn the wheel, the time it takes for the vehicle to lean and change direction has been reduced) It seems more direct.
Anyway, the point is, I went in thinking/ expecting this addition would just dress up the engine bay and I was pleasantly surprised by the end result. Bottom line, $89.00 free shipping isn't that much of a gamble and the pay-off for me was worth more than 300.
There is a reason the 2014 Sorento comes with a factory Strut Tower Brace, and now I know why.