Strut won't go back in, After new inserts..... Options

[Remy]

Hi all, I'm having a problem trying to put/reinstall the driver front strut assembly back in place no matter how hard I try it won't go back in I tried from all angles still the same now my fender has some new scratches....any advice/tips on how to remount it on the car ?? I also tried to install the top 3 bolts first but still no luck it won't have enough clearance for the axle it'll sit right on top of the axle and crushes the axle boot.

This post has been edited by Remy: Mar 27, 2009 - 9:01 PM

[playr158]

use spring compressors....

[Remy]

I did use spring compressors I have whole strut assemble including the spring bolted up just have to reinstall it on the knuckle and top chassis.

[MaskedMan]

How is your car lifted up? Is it lifted up on one corner only or all 4 wheels off the ground? If your car is lifted up on one side only the problem for the front could be the sway bars are holding the entire hub assembly up higher, if you remove one side of the endlink, it might allow you to have more slack. Or you could use a prybar to pry down on it a bit. Not exactly sure what the situation is, but hope this helps.

[trdproven]

You have to play with the suspension parts to fit it in. Also, make sure the spring is installed correctly. When you use the compressor, make sure the top mount is firmly installed correctly, especially in the grooves and then when you release the spring compressor it will tighten to the mount correctly, make sure it is also on the spring sitting positions and not just anywhere. If you look at the mount and the bottom of the strut assembly, the spring suppose to sit there.

[pittfirefighter]

as stated above... lift BOTH front tires all the way off the ground... the sway bar is giving you tension... should be an easy slide in after that...

This post has been edited by pittfirefighter: Mar 28, 2009 - 2:46 PM

[playr158]

I did use spring compressors I have whole strut assemble including the spring bolted up just have to reinstall it on the knuckle and top chassis.

yes i know your springs are on. You use the spring compressors again so that you can compress the assembly enough to fit back into the car.
bolt it in and then remove the spring compressors. But then again you should be able to but suspension back into a celica without having to do this.

[ZGear]

If your car is in a good shape where you can push down on the control arm/wheel hub assembly it'll give you more room to put it on, although this technique requires two people.

[Remy]

I did use spring compressors I have whole strut assemble including the spring bolted up just have to reinstall it on the knuckle and top chassis.

yes i know your springs are on. You use the spring compressors again so that you can compress the assembly enough to fit back into the car.
bolt it in and then remove the spring compressors. But then again you should be able to but suspension back into a celica without having to do this.

Theirs not enought clearance to use the compressor no room under the fender thanks for the info though.

This is a 1 man team only so I have 2 hands.....

Edit: These are 1.8 lowering springs with new bilstein inserts btw thanks for all the input so far guys.

This post has been edited by Remy: Mar 28, 2009 - 5:07 PM

[samir0189]

from what i understand, the bottom of the strut won't go in when you get the top bolted up?

If thats the case, try putting the bottom inbetween all the suspension components first, get the bottom down close to where its supposed to line up, and you can step on the rotor to get some extra room. Once the bottom is kinda where its supposed to be, bolt the top up, and then the bottom should be close to the bolt holes. I hope that makes sense man, good luck.

[Remy]

I tried mounting the top 3 bolts first but still the same for some reason the spring/strut is too big, after forcing the axle down and the control arm while the strut was on top of the axle boot, the boot ripped and the clamps came loose but I got it bolted up !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay ??......now 3 more to go and an axle and I think it busted my brake line too. Oh well, Thanks for all the input guys.

[eggman40]

If your car is in a good shape where you can push down on the control arm/wheel hub assembly it'll give you more room to put it on, although this technique requires two people.

X2

you need another person for this... ive had this issue before and i had a friend push down on the rotor assembly till the shock cleared.

Your next problem will be that you wont be able to physically push the shock up high enough to get the shocks back through the holes.... this is an easy fix. just used a 2nd jack or throw your car on stands and jack the whole assembly from the bottom until the shock tower bolts alight with the knuckle holes.

Hope this helps.

[playr158]

I did use spring compressors I have whole strut assemble including the spring bolted up just have to reinstall it on the knuckle and top chassis.

yes i know your springs are on. You use the spring compressors again so that you can compress the assembly enough to fit back into the car.
bolt it in and then remove the spring compressors. But then again you should be able to but suspension back into a celica without having to do this.

Theirs not enought clearance to use the compressor no room under the fender thanks for the info though.

This is a 1 man team only so I have 2 hands.....

Edit: These are 1.8 lowering springs with new bilstein inserts btw thanks for all the input so far guys.

there really is enough room, been there and done that. Make sure you have detached the sway bar from the control arms.
But if this is your first spring install dont' feel too frustrated they get easier with more experience and tricks learned.

I believe every time i did this i bolted the top 3 first.

[trdproven]

It is really suppose to go out and go back in with no issues. I've done it by myself. Not sure where you are having issues. Just push the knuckle down and you can get it in. The strut should not be long unless they are wrong.

[Remy]

Its funny though the PF went in with no problems I had alot of trouble getting the DF in its the right struts I checked the part numbers, I got it in though thanks for the tips and tricks guys.