Pulling it from the top is the way to go...I wish all cars would be built that way! I did this procedure on my son's Z-34 a few months ago. Once the cartridge is removed, there is nothing to maintain the spring and suspension assembly in its center position so before removing the cartridge, some means must be exercised to keep the whole wheel system steady so there is no side displacement . Once displaced, it is very hard to realign it using the strut. I suspect this is what happened in your case....About the "squeak"...are you sure the lower holding nut it tight?...if you had problems aligning the unit, it might have seemed seated but now the strut might have made its way and the nut might be loose...