struts help

2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
170,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
I was changing my front struts on my 2002 Monte Carlo I took the old ones off, And tried to put the new ones on but they are not lining up. The knuckle holes seem to far up from the strut. So I tried to put the old one back on and the same problem
Dec 27, 2015 at 4:57 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The lower control arm dropped down. Lift it up and see if you can insert a long punch into one of the holes to hold it in place.
Dec 27, 2015 at 5:28 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
I tried that. I seems like the strut is too long. the bottom knuckle hole line up with the top strut screw hole even on the old one.
Dec 27, 2015 at 5:55 PM
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The lower control arm moves to line up the holes.
Dec 27, 2015 at 5:57 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
when I push down on the control arm the knuckle moves outward. could it be the struts needs to be compressed
Dec 27, 2015 at 5:59 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Thanks ahead for the help I've been working on this for about four days now I never ran into nothing like this before
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:01 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
The control arm is fine the strut seems like it decompressed after I took it off
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:03 PM
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I'll say it one more time. The lower control arm move and the knuckle swivels on a ball joint so it can be moved anywhere it needs to be.
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:05 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
ok I'm going to try that
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:06 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
this is a image of it
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:17 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
the strut seems to long to go over the cv axel and line up in the knuckle I'm sorry if I'm not making everything clear
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:19 PM
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Make sure the axle is fully seated at both ends as that will push the knuckle away if it isn't. Also make sure you didn't separate the inner C/V joint.
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:20 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
I just replaced the cv axel about an hour ago
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:22 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
its weird because the old strut is doing the same thing
Dec 27, 2015 at 6:23 PM
Avatar
SEAN27
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Hey thanks I figured it out. I didn't have the front end jack up enough LOL Stupid ME
Dec 27, 2015 at 7:38 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.