So I was under my car and noticed the cradle brace that connects the cradle to the lower radiator support is bent really bad and pushed way up at the front mount tab. Ive looked and looked for a new one and the only thing I could find is one for a sunfire. I know pretty much all parts can be swapped between cars however I want to make sure that this one can be also. Ive got an 04 cavalier coupe with 2.2 ecotec. I already hit the junk yards and Im not willing to pay $50 for a used part when I can get new for $30. Thanks for all the help in advance guys.

That piece gets bent easily, and it doesn't serve much of a functional purpose. $50 for that piece of stamped steel is ridiculous. Also, if you are modding your car for performance, you may want to consider making, or having made, a more solid subframe brace. Most guys that have done this have used square stock, but I've also seen it done with heim joints.

define bent really bad it accually has a bent in it from factory



JBO since July 30, 2001

GMPD has it listed for $14.06 brand new. probably around 25 or 30 shipped to your door. they list it as a special order part and would probably take about 2 weeks to ship out.

2004 Chevrolet/Geo Cavalier > Front Suspension> Suspension and Components> Engine Cradle

1) Engine cradle
2) Reinf plate Brace
3) Knuckle Right
4) W/o ride and handling W/o ride and handling Right
5) Bushing Front All Back
6) Lower ball joint Back
7) Strut Back
8) Upper Upper Back
9) Bumper Back
10) Shield Back
11) Spring Back
12) Seat Back
13) Strut mount Back
14) W/o ride and handling W/o ride and handling Back
15) Top nut Back

the piece you're referring to would be #2
GMPartsdirect.com
P/N: 22590142

Ill get a pic up soon but bent as in the front tab is starting to tear away from the rest of the brace and the back of it is twisting to the point where im not sure if I can remove the bolt. To Jon D thats actually how I found the name of the part but it was on a sunfire diagram. I couldnt find anything for the chevy. Thats why I wanted to make sure it was the same for either vehicle so thanks for that help in clarifying that. Kinda leaning torwards making my own though. Im lowered and obviously coming into contact with pavement every no and again lol. Anyone got any pictures of a home made brace? Or any ideas of how to make one stronger than original. I have some ideas myself but input is always welcome.

oh thats a extra support its probably really cheap at the yard atleast i know it is here ive broke mine and re welded it and made it stronger. the engine cradle itself has a problem where it breaks on the area where it holds the control arms if it gets baddly rusted thats hapend to me 2...

I would just use 1 3/4" - 2" boxed aluminum and 3/8" plate. Have the plate bolt to the pad where the lower radiator support bolts to, and drill a hole for the subframe(engine cradle) bolt to go through. It would be plenty strong compared to the stock one. There is also someone here that did it on both sides using heim joints, and integrating the passenger side one with the torque mount for the engine. Search "subframe brace" or similar in the suspension & brake or photos & media forum. I know he posted pics.

ive bent mine to the point of almost coming outta the bolt aswell....i just took it out, got my fav. hammer, beat'r back flat and put it back in.