RAV4 1999 Engine compartment brace.

[BASSMANA2Z]

Hi,

I'm a new club member. I previously owned a '95 model and it didn't have an engine compartment brace. My "new" RAV4 is a '99 HEAT model and it does have a brace (see pic, it's a stock photo but you get the idea). I'm wondering if it's really necessary for the structural integrity of the vehicle. At present it's fitted with a small amp/hr Battery and I'd like to fit a larger/beefier Battery from my old '95 RAV4. It will fit in the tray but the brace makes it a very tight fit.

So, is it OK to remove the brace?

[ernieb]

Sorry I’m not able to help you but with the brace removed would you have the room to fit a new Battery? Why do you figure you need a bigger Battery? The brace looks after market rather than OEM if that’s true then it should be no problem to remove it.

[BASSMANA2Z]

Thanks Ernie. That's my conclusion too. With the brace removed I will be able to fit a bigger Battery. The reason I want to fit a bigger Battery is the one that's fitted is much smaller both in dimensions and amp/hr rating than the one on my '95 RAV4.  It appears to be draining. A small trickle drain is normal and may be acceptable with the correct Battery fitted. Unfortunately it may be an intermittent fault(I hope not) but upgrading the battery seems a good place to start. It's simple and won't cost me anything. The battery tray/space on both vehicles is the same with the brace removed.

Thanks again.