Inserting struts in housing in a special way

[marioc89]

I've installed my struts and springs and my only problem is putting it in the specific hole. Is there a trick to doing this or not? Someone please help me on this so that I can drive to work. Thanks.

[ezb57e]

Im not saying anything!

[marioc89]

Why? What was that for then?

[Leo1998]

Is the bolt not lining up with the hole?

[ezb57e]

OK, enough fun.
The 3 bolts at the top of the strut mount are not symmetrical, meaning they will only fit one way. Take a good look and you will see this.
If the new strut was correctly assembled, it will fit in the body with the bracket for the steering knuckle facing out, like it was removed.
If it wasn't, you will have to get the upper mount into place, then rotate the strut assembly around until it lines up with the knuckle.

[Leo1998]

Thanks EZB57e, I will be doing mine in the next couple weeks and didn't know about that, i will be taking them out and to a shop so they can decompress the springs and swap out the old struts, i will pay attention on the final assembly of the strut before taking back home to install. Don't like to do things twice.

[ezb57e]

I like to make a big white paint stipe down the entire strut mount, spring, seat, strut so I can see that everything is lined up the same way it came out.

[abnrjd]

They make Haynes and Chilton manuals for pathfinders these books go into very detailed assembly, dis assembly I find it very helpful. Check out your local auto parts vender. The majority of your mechanical questions, procedures and overall how to do is in that book. I use it like a bible for my 04 Plat Path.