I screwed something up.. front struts

[Cobra_Jack]

last weekend I replaced my struts with new SVT ones....

all went well except for the driver's side front one. I couldn't get the lower ball joint bolt out for the life of me.

So I some how managed to get the strut out without disconnecting the lower ball joint. To do that I had to basically pop the halfshaft out of place while still attached, if that makes any sense.

now the problem is that when I make low speed sharp turns (parking spaces etc.) I hear an unplesant pop coming from that area almost as if the halfshaft is poping out momentarily.

it drives fine, it's just low speed sharp turns that make the poping noise.


Can anyone help understand what I did and how to fix it.

Thanks in advance

 

[eepals]

I'm assuming you mean the inner CV joint came too far out of the tripod? Did you check to see if all the rollers are back on the tripod? The only way to check would be to release the large "Ear-less" boot clamp. You'll need special pliers, cost about 20 to 25 dollars. Pull the released boot out of the way and check to see if everything is in place. It will be messy.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...823d/80/1b/d4/65/0900823d801bd465.jsp#hd1-1-2

 

[Cobra_Jack]

I'm assuming you mean the inner CV joint came too far out of the tripod? Did you check to see if all the rollers are back on the tripod? The only way to check would be to release the large "Ear-less" boot clamp. You'll need special pliers, cost about 20 to 25 dollars. Pull the released boot out of the way and check to see if everything is in place. It will be messy.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...823d/80/1b/d4/65/0900823d801bd465.jsp#hd1-1-2

yes the inner CV joint came out far.. I was able to easily put it back in place...

I still have the issue of being unable to remove the lower ball joint bolt..

There is no noise under normal conditions.. only low speed tight turns will produce a pop.

So is my only option to remove the lower ball joint bolt and then inspec the axle?

 

[eepals]

No just release the inner CV joint boot clamp, pull the boot towards you and inspect to see if any of the rollers are not on the tripod. You need those pliers.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW423.html#2357
Lisle #30500 are the ones you need. Recheck all nuts and bolts to see if anything is loose.