Strut cartridge is off-center!

[paker]

I replaced both front struts cartridges. Left was so off center that I had to hammer in the rubber donut. Since then the car was making squeaking noise whenever the wheel was turned left and back to straight.

1) Why would the cartridge be so off center?
2) Did I do anything wrong?
3) How do I fix it?

The right side was okay.

By the way, I didn't compress the springs or lift the car. I just removed the top metal plate (after removing 4 nuts) and pulled the cartridges right out.

Thanks.

[LMP]

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...

[paker]

Thanks for the reply.

1) Positioning the strut: Per shop manual, I marked the position of the top plate before removing it and the 4 nuts. And the plate went back in the same place.

2) By the way this was the second time the cartridge was replaced. PepBoys did the first job. The old cartridge (that they put in) was also off-centered. It is possible that the strut was displaced during the first job. There was no mark around the top plate (recommended in the shop manual). In other words, there was no evidence that they made sure the strut didn't move.

What if I do the following?

1) Remove the top plate and the cartridge.
2) Gently hit the 4 bolts and reposition the strut so that the cartridge sits at center.
3) Do wheel alignment.

Please comment.

By the way, because of the squeaking noise, I took the car to PepBoys for wheel alignment. They had no problem with alignment. But it still squeaks.

Regarding "lower holding nut," do you mean the washer-like metal part that has external thread, sits inside strut about 6-7 inches down, and holds down the cartridge? I think I tightened it well.

Or do you mean the 2 bolts/nuts that join strut to steering knuckle? I didn't touch them, but I will check tomorrow. Thanks.

[LMP]

Originally Posted by paker

Regarding "lower holding nut," do you mean the washer-like metal part that has external thread, sits inside strut about 6-7 inches down, and holds down the cartridge?.

Yeah.."that" is what I was thinking of.
I just checked the Autozone.com instructions (excellent reference) ..they call it "strut closure nut".