Spread, put a little upward pressure with Jack and wiggle the strut.
HELP! Started the 2x4, all was fine and smooth, wood was rigidly attached via the screw to the strut, front strut was out and new spring in.
Now, I just can't get the strut seated back in the knuckle. I limited the LCA's travel with a wooden pallet below it to prevent disconnecting from the transmission. I drop the strut slowly via the 2x4, it is seated a few 2-3mm, and then it seems to get stuck (probably at an angle).
I try to jack the LCA but it just pushes the semi-seated strut up instead of allowing it to drop in deeper. What's worse, my spreader seems to not be that effective any more, it only opens the knuckle one mm or two. It looks as the strut is not at the perfect angle with the knuckle seat but I can't move the LCA towards it (towards the back of the car) unless i remove the pallet from below which I don't want to do in case I f@ck the drive shaft.
Also, I got a bit psychotic and think the drive shaft is already disconnected for some reason. Car is DSG and left in P but I can rotate the brake disk back and forwards if I put some force. It doesn't just spin freely per se but I can get it rotated back and forth. Am i screwed or??
Also, what's my getaway option if i can't get the strut seated? Granted I don't have the shaft bolt or ball joint bolts but just to put back everything and on a truck to get it to a shop (worst case scenario).
Thanks in advance!
Don't forget to lubricate!
No, didn't disconnect the battery. Clearance was tight on the driver side when removing the stock strut with the 2x4 method and I had to unclip the sensor wiring from the fender liner on the engine bay side as well as the clip where it stays in place on the brake assembly. Potentially damaged it when it was pulled tight before I unclipped from the fender liner as well. The centering steering is what has me more worried.Happy to help!
Did you disconnect your battery? Those dash errors sound like what pops up until you get a bit of distance on the car for the ABS, TPMS and other assist groups to initialize. I don't think just unplugging anything down there would cause an error to pop up, unless something was damaged.
HELP! Started the 2x4, all was fine and smooth, wood was rigidly attached via the screw to the strut, front strut was out and new spring in.
Now, I just can't get the strut seated back in the knuckle. I limited the LCA's travel with a wooden pallet below it to prevent disconnecting from the transmission. I drop the strut slowly via the 2x4, it is seated a few 2-3mm, and then it seems to get stuck (probably at an angle).
I try to jack the LCA but it just pushes the semi-seated strut up instead of allowing it to drop in deeper. What's worse, my spreader seems to not be that effective any more, it only opens the knuckle one mm or two. It looks as the strut is not at the perfect angle with the knuckle seat but I can't move the LCA towards it (towards the back of the car) unless i remove the pallet from below which I don't want to do in case I f@ck the drive shaft.
Also, I got a bit psychotic and think the drive shaft is already disconnected for some reason. Car is DSG and left in P but I can rotate the brake disk back and forwards if I put some force. It doesn't just spin freely per se but I can get it rotated back and forth. Am i screwed or??
Also, what's my getaway option if i can't get the strut seated? Granted I don't have the shaft bolt or ball joint bolts but just to put back everything and on a truck to get it to a shop (worst case scenario).
Thanks in advance!
Definitely pick up VW's strut spreader.I'm preparing to install golf r springs and bilstein b6 shocks and struts on my alltrack - I'm trying to figure out if I should get a strut nut removal wrench. Its listed under additional tools. Past experience has taught me that having the right tools are critical for success and sanity but I'm confused why its essentially noted as an optional tool. Can anyone explain?
I'm preparing to install golf r springs and bilstein b6 shocks and struts on my alltrack - I'm trying to figure out if I should get a strut nut removal wrench. Its listed under additional tools. Past experience has taught me that having the right tools are critical for success and sanity but I'm confused why its essentially noted as an optional tool. Can anyone explain?