When installing/reassembling the front suspension, is it better to "push the strut inward" and then tighten the strut to knuckle bolts or "pull the strut outward" and tighten the strut to knuckle bolts?

I always thought it was better to "push the strut inward" and then tighten the bolts.

Curious to hear your opinions.

 

With the front end in the air, I’ve always attached the strut bottom-end to the knuckle and snugged (not tightened) those bolts just to hold the strut in place … this has always been my 1st step in reinstalling the struts (meaning, the struts have not yet been bolted into the upper strut mounts). Bottoms get attached 1st.

I’ve then slowly lowered the car so as to be able to insert the upper bolt ends into the upper strut mounts. The upper mount bolts are then also ‘snugged’ so they stay in place.

I then fully lower the front end, and with all bolts snugged, not tightened yet, I bounce the crap outta the front end. Maybe not needed but it makes me feel like things better adjust and position themselves as they need to be.

Then, starting with the top mount bolts, everything is torqued to specs.

This may not be everyone’s process or advice but it’s how I’ve done it for decades.

 

I always attach the upper strut mount to the body first than the steering knuckle. easiest way to do it.

 

Like I said …

 

I don't think I worded my initial post correctly. Once the strut is in place and the top 3 strut tower nuts are tighten, there is a small amount of "play" in the strut itself before the knuckle strut bolts are tighten up. That's how the alignment bolts are adjusted.

When you push the strut towards the centerline of the car and tighten the strut to knuckle bolts, some minimal negative camber can be achieved.

When you pull the strut outward and tighten the strut to knuckle bolts, some minimal positive camber can be achieved.