Strut installation

[Forssling]

Hi All!
I'm currently doing a full restoration on a -71T.

Yesterday I installed the front struts. It is a standard setup with new Bilstein struts and new ball joints.

They are now in place but I've got to tell, it was a struggle! Lining up the pin and strut was not just a slide in... It called for some serious persuasion.

For the next time... what is the secret getting these in place? Or is it always a really tight fit?

Appreciate all input.
Jörgen Forssling
Gothenburg
SWEDEN

[Flojo]

what exactly made you struggle?
getting the joint pin in or the retainer pin to lock the strut?

it is designed not to gave struggle.

[Forssling]

Originally Posted by Flojo

what exactly made you struggle?
getting the joint pin in or the retainer pin to lock the strut?

it is designed not to gave struggle.

It was getting the ball joint pin (with the cut out) into the strut.

//Jörgen

[Flojo]

and the strut itself was loose? not attached to tie rod or upper mount?

[Forssling]

Originally Posted by Flojo

and the strut itself was loose? not attached to tie rod or upper mount?

The ball joint is mounted on the wishbone, which is on the car. New strut inserted in top mount. Not attached to tie-rods. I tried to align the ball joint pin that goes into the base of the strut. I finally got it in but it was tough.

//Jörgen

[Forssling]

[H-viken]

It should be that tough

Did you do a “dry run “ when the parts were loose?

The times I’ve done it I have had the strut loose and not attached at the top. Maybe this simplifies it?

[Forssling]

Originally Posted by H-viken

It should be that tough

Did you do a “dry run “ when the parts were loose?

No unfortunately I didn't do that. Makes me feel better that you also had some effort to get them in place.

Thanks,
Jörgen

[salayc]

Install the strut onto the ball joint first, then lift the assembly to attach to the top mount. If I'm reading correctly you did that in reverse.

[Forssling]

Originally Posted by salayc

Install the strut onto the ball joint first, then lift the assembly to attach to the top mount. If I'm reading correctly you did that in reverse.

You are right, I did the opposite. I was afraid not being able to get in the top mount otherwise.

Now I know for the next time

//J

[H-viken]

Originally Posted by Forssling

No unfortunately I didn't do that. Makes me feel better that you also had some effort to get them in place.

Thanks,
Jörgen

sorry, typo. it should have said "it SHOULDN'T be that tough"

[Forssling]

Originally Posted by H-viken

sorry, typo. it should have said "it SHOULDN'T be that tough"

OK, now they're in place anyway...

//J

[Flojo]

again, this should be an easy job, it's designed that way.
this is why I asked HOW the assembly was, if attached to top mount or tie rod.

But even then, it is designed to be swapped when strut attached to car to avoid later alignment.

so either this was a bad aftermarket part with bad measured pin size or something was stuck/blocking the pin insert inside the strut base.

I've done both, swap on bench, swap on car, no issues.

[Forssling]

Originally Posted by Flojo

again, this should be an easy job, it's designed that way.
this is why I asked HOW the assembly was, if attached to top mount or tie rod.

But even then, it is designed to be swapped when strut attached to car to avoid later alignment.

so either this was a bad aftermarket part with bad measured pin size or something was stuck/blocking the pin insert inside the strut base.

I've done both, swap on bench, swap on car, no issues.

I understand, and that's what makes me worry... The strut is Bilstein and the ball joint is Lemförder, both respected brands. However, as said, now it's in place and I hope I don't have to service either of them anytime soon.

//Jörgen

[PDKLOL]

not to highjack the thread but I have the whole front suspension dropped right now and all things replaced except the ball joints. Should I attempt to break loose with it back in the car or out of the car? Anyone have any preferences? I know it's not a fun job.