[beemer]

So, I've been working on my struts on and off for 2 weekends. 6hour job has ran well over that for me. Finally came to my last issue. After replacing my strut and removing the old end links I have a problem getting the new one to align with the strut housing. I'm thinking I did not compress the springs enough when I put them on the new strut. There is a 2 to 2 1/2 in space from the strut hole to the end link bolt.
Side note, I did accidentally extend the strut from its housing a little further rather than compressing the springs even more.
Is there any specs on how long the springs need to be compressed in order to align with the end links ?

 

[ThomasK]

Mount the endlink in the strut, mount the wheel and lower the car and see if its closer to fit to the swaybar hole. It should fit, hard to do it wrong if you didnt mounted the strut in and strange way.

 

[DarekP]

Lift the car on both sides.

 

[volvodrummer]

Lift the car on both sides.

^ This. Both front wheels must be off ground.