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2007 Volvo S40 2.4L 4dr Sedan AT FWD

2007 Volvo S40
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Compact
22 mpg city / 30 mpg hwy
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November 23, 2012, 9:03 pm

Maren S
 

Question: The coil spring of my strut is rubbing the inside fender

I just replaced my passenger side strut and cv axle. After I got it put together, I noticed that when I turn the wheel, the coil spring is now rubbing the inside of my fender. I don't think the actual coil is suppose to move when the wheel is turned, but then again, I'm not particularly conversant in this area. What is causing this problem? Could I have not tightened the top nut enough? Are my strut mounts not aligned properly? I tightened the nut pretty darn good and aligned the spring the best I could. FYI, the spring is not on upside down. Any help would be really appreciated! :) Maren


December 4, 2012, 10:48 am

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

You are right, the coil is not supposed to move when the wheel is turned. More important than tightening (it sounds like you've gotten it tight enough) is the position of the spring. There is exactly one place for it to sit that will hold it in place. I'm guessing that you didn't use a coil spring compressor to clamp down the spring while doing the repair--if you replaced the strut that would have been necessary for the job. Without it, the spring is not positioned properly and could be dangerous (there is a huge force stored in that spring when compressed).

You may need to have a mechanic take a look at it, or get a spring compressor on there so the spring can be repositioned.


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