Strut and wheel hub not coming together
11-20-2011, 04:01 PM
#3
I typically only thread the strut mount a few threads on each nut(just enough to allow it to hang loose, but not fall on your head). Completely tightening the strut mount will make it much harder. Then I line up the lower strut bolt and slide that bolt in place(leave it loose as well). You should then be able to pivot the knuckle and line it up. I've used this method for 3rd, 4th, and 5th gens and it's always worked. Hopefully, some part of that response helps you. GL!
11-20-2011, 08:57 PM
#5
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I did try putting a jack under the LCA, that was the first thing i did but the axle boot was just starting to rub on the strut HARD! so i stopped because i didnt want to rip it since i put so much money into what im doing (replaced tranny, passenger end tie-rod, both strut end links, both belts, radiator, royal purple oil. redline MT-85 GL-4 gear oil, prob $200 on tools, and much more) and adding another axle isnt on my list since i go truth axles like oil changes...
When i put the driver side axle in everything fit in perfect (no problem installing bolts from strut to hub, but i took a better look and noticed the little dust cover on the passenger side wasn't inside the tranny so i guess the axle wasn't fully inside the tranny? but from the other end for the passenger side axle it seems that the axle popped out of socket? (pic below) from what i did so far to my car i think its pretty good for a nooby. So once i can get the axle in perfect and get the strut and hub bolted everything should go pretty easy. if there are any videos you guys know off or any Great write ups i would really appreciate all the help.
When i put the driver side axle in everything fit in perfect (no problem installing bolts from strut to hub, but i took a better look and noticed the little dust cover on the passenger side wasn't inside the tranny so i guess the axle wasn't fully inside the tranny? but from the other end for the passenger side axle it seems that the axle popped out of socket? (pic below) from what i did so far to my car i think its pretty good for a nooby. So once i can get the axle in perfect and get the strut and hub bolted everything should go pretty easy. if there are any videos you guys know off or any Great write ups i would really appreciate all the help.
11-20-2011, 09:07 PM
#6
When installing front struts, I usually align the top three bolts into the holes and bolt them on by hand, then throw the jack under the LCA and line it up. If that doesn't work or if you tried that already, something else is wrong.
11-20-2011, 10:05 PM
#8
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Location: NY
Posts: 117
If you are talking about the passenger side, did you tighten up the bolts for the center support bearing? That should bring the axle in closer to the tranny, also pop the cv joint back in, in your pic, it looks like you pulled it too far out. As for the lower control arm, make sure you don't have the outer tie rod connected onto the spindle. That should be done after you have the axle thru the hub and the two big strut bolts thru the hole (or at least one of them)
11-20-2011, 10:39 PM
#11
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So from telling from the pic that axle looks fine? I guess when I wake up I'll try pushing the rod further into the tranny. It just seems that the axle looks so stretched. I'll just keep doing some more research.
11-21-2011, 05:53 AM
#12
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Join Date: Apr 2010
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Put a big bar on top of the control arm and wedge it (under the frame) so you can push down. Dont push to hard or the axle will pop out of the trans (not big deal just a pain in the ***). Slowly push and hold, the the hole will line up then push the knuckle bolt in. This is the way i always do it, never fails. I usually use a solid wrench or ratchet then slip the big bar from my jack over the top and pry with that. Another set of hands is always a big help too lol
11-21-2011, 05:56 AM
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2010
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there is usually a space (under a half inch, for sure) where the axle and trans meet.. i put a block of wood on the end of the axle and tapped it with a rubber mallet.. if you have a dead blow hammer use that.. good luck man
11-21-2011, 05:57 AM
#14
The axles is your issue. According to that picture you posted, the inner joint is extended inside the axe boot. The best way to resolve this issue is to remove the axle from the hub and push it towards the transmission for it to compress.
11-21-2011, 05:58 AM
#15
That axle isnt fine. It's stretched out because the two parts are separated. You need to wiggle them until it fits back together. It's overextended. The axle isn't suppose to extend that much.
When I changed my tranny mine was like that. After I fit it back together, a few weeks later it separated again leaving my car with no power to move (open diff). Just get a new axle :/
When I changed my tranny mine was like that. After I fit it back together, a few weeks later it separated again leaving my car with no power to move (open diff). Just get a new axle :/
Last edited by luvlexus101; 11-21-2011 at 07:02 AM.
11-21-2011, 10:02 AM
#18
Do you have both wheels off the ground and off?i went thru hell last week swapping out my coilovers and putting stock back on for the winter.when i put it up on stands and did it worked much better getting things to bolt up.
11-21-2011, 08:49 PM
#20
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Sorry i haven't been on today i wanted to take a break and relax on working on my car. The car is sitting on jack stands since i put a new tranny in. my problem is that i cant take the whole axle out because the frame/bracket that keeps the axle lined up and even i striped one of the three bolts... so i just took the whole frame/bracket off, but i still cant get the frame out because one of the pulleys are in the way. im havnt a friend with a turbo 5.5 gen come over and do it for me since he has the experience on removing and putting in axles.
By the way, i bought a new radiator since my old one started to leak at the top like all the old maxima rads do, but on the new rad there are 2 holes on the bottom of the rad, and i know i have no use for them... but what should i do about the 2 holes since i know the plug thats on them wont hold from all the pressure.
By the way, i bought a new radiator since my old one started to leak at the top like all the old maxima rads do, but on the new rad there are 2 holes on the bottom of the rad, and i know i have no use for them... but what should i do about the 2 holes since i know the plug thats on them wont hold from all the pressure.
11-22-2011, 12:10 PM
#21
...By the way, i bought a new radiator since my old one started to leak at the top like all the old maxima rads do, but on the new rad there are 2 holes on the bottom of the rad, and i know i have no use for them... but what should i do about the 2 holes since i know the plug thats on them wont hold from all the pressure.
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