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[bobbber]

This is what happened :

Removed crossmember, removed engine. Pushed the car up onto ramps.

Now the front wheel on one side is much further back in the wheel arch than it used to be, and the front arm doesn't reach the replaced crossmember.

I'm guessing (and hoping) I've just compressed the bush in the rear arm mounting point, and the strut is down on one side.

What is the best way of getting the strut back into its correct position?

I thought about putting a brick behind that wheel and pushing the car back a bit?!??!

Any thoughts?

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

[eagle3]

When I get round to changing mine I'm planning on doing it over a pit with the wheels on the ground and just supporting the weight of the engine with a scissor jack.

I'm hoping that won't be too problematic.
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Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994

[john 33_16v]

Bobber,

When i've had engine out and replaced suspension arms, shocks etc, i've always found it necessary to have everything as loose as possible, including strut top mounts, to give some flexibility for lining up.

It can be a slag to get the front and rear arms to unite, i've often had to use a big scrwdriver thru the holes to line up.

You'll wanna keep it all loose when putting back the engine to, to get the driveshafts sorted, and may need to be clever with a jack to raise and hold hubs etc.

Hope that helps.

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
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93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[bobbber]

Thanks John.... that wasn't the answer I wanted, but thought it might be the way! Sounds sensible.

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

[rsfruitbat]

Had a very similar problem to what you are experiencing. I did exactly as you have suggested. Chock the wheels in place on the ramps and then push or pull the car backwards. What I did was put the crossmember on so as soon as it lined up you can push the bolts up through the chassis legs. All this is a lot simpler if someone is fitting the crossmember while another persons is trying to push / pull the car.

Regards rsfruitbat

[lee16v]

Bob,
Can't you take the car off the ramps and put it on axle stands to give you more movement in the suspension assembly?

[rsfruitbat]

Hi Bobbber.
Just had another thought. the alternative or if you need a bit more help is to put a ratchet strap around the strut bottoms. As you wind them together it should force the legs and crossmember forward. Your biggest problem is that the car isnt balanced. One leg is further back than the other. Try jacking the back of the car up and swinging left or right to balance.
I have had the engine in and out of the rally car loads of times and the simplest way I have found is drive it on the ramps, chock front and back wheels in opposite directions so the car wont move and then start disconnecting everything. I always remove the front X-member off the suspension arms to allow the engine to come forward and out. Since I have done it this way everything pretty well lines up when going back together.

[Ben_nz]

I recommend putting parts of your car in the oven. Then while they're soft and pliable you can bend them until they all fit back together.
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"Now, all that is left to do ... is wait that something else brokens, to fix up again!"

[bobbber]

rsfruitbat - that's a proper technique.... I like that, thanks!

Ben - that sounds daft.... surely NOONE would do that?

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

[eagle3]

[paulhide]

Very good Ben. Yes that sounds like a grand idea.
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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

[eagle3]

Just fitted the bar without too much hassle with the wheels on the ground. It would have been easier with the bumper off but there's just enough space with it on. The 1.3 injection exhaust reduces the space further but I managed it.

I think having someone to roll the front wheel a bit would help aligning the suspension arm. I had to roll one wheel and then wedge it. I also found that I had to screw in the rearmost large bolt holding the rubber first.


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Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994

[Eddie_W]

Us real men do it the hard way and take it out the top. We also chew nails with our teeth ( what's left), chew tobacco, spit and make rude noises out orifices.
Regards Eddie
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The pop star formerly known as Eddie W