I'm replacing the front struts on a 2009 Fit S. Passenger side went fine. Driver Side will not install. The strut is anchored at the top. The two bolt holes will not line up at the base. It appears as if the drive shaft has extended. Well worn drive shaft is exposed now at the end of the bellow. I have heaved and muscled as much as I can and it will not budge. How to I get the strut to meet the knuckle? I can get the bottom bolt in, but the top is outside of the strut mount at that point. I cannot get the top holes to line up.

 

I found a great explanation as a recommendation from my post. I used a hammer to try to get the bolt holes to line up. What should I look for as far as damage? :-(

 

I took the band off of the bellow and was able to slide the axle into the mount. I lost a bit of the beige grease.

1) I need to get a metal band for the bellow?
2) Do I need to add some axle grease?
3) If so, what kind of grease?
4) Because I used a hammer to try to insert the axle, what should I be looking for as the vehicle drives if there was any damage?

 

1. Yes, you need a metal band to secure the axle boot. You will also need the crimping tool in order to secure the band properly. Do not try zip ties. It will not work from my experience.

2 & 3. If you lost more than a little bit of grease you can pick up some axle grease at the auto parts store for cheap.

4. If you hammered the end of the axle to get it to slide into the transmission that is pretty much ordinary procedure. Simply check the splines to make sure you did not damage the splines that slide into the hub. I am wondering what has caused the axle to slide out of place. Did it slide out of the cup or slide out of the transmission? If the axle has slipped out of place for no good reason you may need a new axle or some other repair. If you accidentally pulled the axle out of place while working on the car I would not be worried.

 

Appreciate the help V. The shaft slipped out of the cop. I didn't support the rotor when I disconnected the strut. This allowed the drive shaft to slip out.

 

It happened to me the first time I replaced struts. I just popped the axle right back in before anyone noticed. No harm.

 

One of the bearings fell off. I replaced it and looked online for any similar problems. The make of car on the video had bearings that were held in place by clips... I thought I had broken a clip and would have to replace the inner cv joint...$300+ OEM. I checked this evening and the Fit bearings simply sit on a post and do not have a clip to hold them in place. Sigh of relief!