Problems reinstalling strut assembly!

[itsanep3]

My car is lowered on Tokico blues and H&R springs. My dad help me the first time, but we didn't line the passenger side strut up right so it was making clunking sounds. Well, I rode like that for a while and finally got tired of it and tried to fix it today. I got the strut off fine, proceeded to line it up and all that jazz. Now, here is where the problem lies. I got the bolts in the top, and went to put the bolts in the bottom and its not lined up. I remember my dad and I had trouble before, but somehow we got it on. I'm by myself though and I don't know what to do! I tried using the compressor spring, but it didn't look like it was helping much. I tried placing the factory jack(the only one I have) under it and jacking it up, but it only pushes it away. What's a guy to do?!?!?

[BlkDeathSi]

tighten the top 3 bolts hand tight first to support the assembly. The proceed to move the brake assembly up until you can see the holes line up, stick a long screwdriver in the top hole to hold it in place. Then start the lower bolt, after it is started, start the top of the 2 bolts, then tighten everything.

Good luck and take your time, don't panic, and drink beer and cuss as needed.

[itsanep3]

tighten the top 3 bolts hand tight first to support the assembly. The proceed to move the brake assembly up until you can see the holes line up, stick a long screwdriver in the top hole to hold it in place. Then start the lower bolt, after it is started, start the top of the 2 bolts, then tighten everything.

Good luck and take your time, don't panic, and drink beer and cuss as needed.

I may use that later. But, the problem is the strut is way too far down. I've tried everything I can think of(at least for tonight) and it won't cooperate with me.

[smoody]

Is the bottom of the strut touching the rubber piece on the axle?

[ep_hatcher_510]

ok it should line up no matter what, unless your axle slipped out which causes the hub to fall outward, is that the problem?

[theyb]

ok it should line up no matter what, unless your axle slipped out which causes the hub to fall outward, is that the problem?

I think this is his problem. I had the same problem over the weekend, just have to push it real hard and somehow mine came back into place.

[oogy-boogy]

Sounds like your axle popped out. If you have a bit of strength and a good ear you'll have it back in in no time. I usually lift it up and in with a L/R spin. Works every time...

[itsanep3]

Yea, it's sitting on the boot on the axle. The axle did pop out, but I popped it back and still no go.

[oogy-boogy]

Gotcha. I had something similar happen once. What are you using for a jack point and where are your jack stands?

[cow]

A friend & I have found the best way to get the axle in is listening for it to "click" into place & then giving the brake assembly a good shove. Everything should line up afterwards.

[itsanep3]

Gotcha. I had something similar happen once. What are you using for a jack point and where are your jack stands?

I have one jack stand holding the car up. I tried jacking it up on the steering arm, but it seems to move the whole assembly away from where I want it, instead of up.

[oogy-boogy]

Is your jack stand on the OEM jack point?

[itsanep3]

Is your jack stand on the OEM jack point?

yes

[oogy-boogy]

Try compressing the spring first. Align the bottom hole of the assembly first and only insert one bolt (allow for play). Get one or 2 of the top hat nuts in loosely and then use a screw driver (as previously mentioned) to align the last hole in the assembly.

[itsanep3]

Ok, I'm gonna try that. I think that was my problem last night. I didn't leave the bolts on the top hat loose. Thanks for the help. I'll let you guys know in a few hours if I got it lol.