Help, I bit off more then I could chew?

Question

So. I consider myself handy, but not handy enough I suppose. So. I went to the undertaking of trying to change my car's struts. simple right? wrong. so half way through of already taking off the strut, trying to tighten the spring down enough. I just gave up. I'd rather pay the mechanic 100$ while I don't s***w it up. problem is. when I go to re-install the strut. it seems it won't fit in the 3 holes perfectly. could the strut mount be turned so it wouldn't work? or is it supposed to work irregardless of how its positioned? also. my wheel hub is slumped over and I cannot get it to go straight. please I promise to never touch under my hood again if I can just put this back together.

Answer 1

why not get a manual first?

go down to the car dealer, walk back into the service dept & ask one of the techs.

Answer 2

First of all, you should have marked one of the three studs on the strut mount where it goes through to the engine compartment. Leave the bottom of the strut alone, put the three studs through the hood and tighten them down, then take the strut it self and turn it so you can line up the bolts on the bottom. As far as the hub slumped over, slowly turn the hub and push inward, the inner cv joint just slid out of place, put it back in place, then bolt the bottom of the strut down.

Answer 3

Hi. First make sure the springs are seated right. Now, with the large center nut tight, you should be able to turn the top where the three studs are. If not, you should change your upper strut bearings, (or bushings). You should also rent a spring compressor. Most good auto parts stores rent out tools. Be safe!