...Get the dann strut back in the mounting holes?!!?

Take a look at this "F"-ed up situation:



I have been fighting this dann thing for 3 hours and I still can't manage to get the holes lined up in order to insert the strut mounting bolts. I just replaced the wheel bearing and re-inserted the CV shaft. Unfortunately, the strut and spring are "stuck" on top of the CV shaft. This does not allow me push the knuckle back in order to fit it in the strut "ears." It seems the whole strut needs to go up (i.e. shorten). Would a coil spring compressor get the strut up and off the CV shaft?

Help me please!!!! There has to be an easier way. Any technique suggestion is requested.

Thanks Orgers! -Sloppy of the Bloody Hand Klan

 

Try it by jacking up the other side of the car????

 

Thank you Black Maxima. I have not tried that yet. I'll give it a try.

Anybody else? I'll check back in 15-20 minutes (trying Black Max's idea).

 

Try to lower the control arm by pushing down on the knuckle and be careful not to slice your CV boot

 

Well, it never ceases to amaze me how many simple tips I have learned on this board help. With Black Maxima's suggestion , I was able to align and insert the strut bolts in under 3 minutes!



My most Merry Christmas thanks to Black Maxima. That really helps to level out the suspension. I jacked the car up evenly and placed both sides on jackstands that were also the same height. MUCH Easier! You have saved my day and another screwdriver into my drywall.

Slopster of the "I Found the Hole" Clan

 

Yep, that sway bar can make aligning the parts difficult.

It can also help to manually turn the strut toward the knuckle.

Dave

 

Yep, I learned this the hard way. It ended up costing me an axle and the other axle out of the tranny. Ended up bringing it to the mechanic. I was very close to finishing. Ohh well can't win them all.

 

Glad you got it to work. I hate suspension.

 

That's really, really ironic coming from you, Mr. Low.

 

Yes....got it to work. Test drove and my passenger's Napa regrind CV shaft snapped!

Well, looks like Konis, ball joints, and tie rods will wait until I install new Raxles myself. Screw the regrinds! I'm sick of cheap CV shafts!!!

 

Raxles Ftw

 

I love suspension.

 

Forgive me but FTW = ??? For the Win?

 

Thats right

 

I set it and forget it.

That's like an advertisement for RonCo.

 

Well...you are not alone. That's exactly what has happened to me. BUT, now I am going with Raxles as I do not want to replace CV shafts for a good long time.

 

Raxles set to arrive Thursday, Jan. 4th.

Outer tie rods, lower ball joints, and Energy Suspension polyurethane dust boots (ES Set 9.13103 for 2 tie rod boots only; ES does not make a polyurethane dust boot that will fit the A32 ball joints well) to arrive Friday, Jan 5th.

Oh what fun I have in store. Maybe even an alignment on Saturday.

 

I like the way you think