Hello Jag Team,

2005 Super V8. Replaced left lower control arm due to worn out bushings, All blots went in relatively trouble free except the strut bolt. The strut is not lining up properly and as a result the bolt keeps free spinning and does not want to screw in.

I have tried putting jack under control arm and under strut to help align and that does not help. Driving me crazy as that is preventing me to wrap the left side and start with right.

Any tips on how to resolve this problem would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have fought with them too and it's just a struggle sometimes.
Suggestions?
Did you attach the top of the strut first? Sometimes I get the lower bolt started and then use a floor jack to push the upper studs thru the body sheet metal. Helps a LOT if you have a second person to guide the top of the strut into position while your working the floor jack.

I usually forget this but unhooking the rear sway bar can free up some movement on the struts too.
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What brand is it and part number? It does not look like a Lemforder.

 

You might try letting some air out of the shock

 

Thank you. Good suggestions, Will try releasing air in it tonight. If that does not work, then I will loosen the top nuts in the strut to create some flex.

These lower control arms are Moog. Price was good so figured worth a shot. However did need to shave off the hub assembly to allow them to fit as others have reported.

 

Thank you all for all help, releasing air did the trick. Bolt went in without issues.

Will tackle the right control arm next weekend.

Slow progress but in the right direction. Will order the rear upper arms after, remaining items are front leaking strut, leaking water pump, and all new plugs, coils and valve cover gaskets (oil on coil boots), then the car might just be ready to be a daily driver again.

 

You know the blurb in assembly instructions for furniture, office chairs, etc. that says 'do not tighten all bolts at this time'? The conundrum you faced also holds true when wrenching our cars. An everything from Ikea.