I am replacing struts on a 1996 Contour 4 cylinder. Got every thing a part on the right side. Started putting it back together. Got the strut in the knuckle but can't get the ball joint back into the knuckle. It does not look like it lines up, looks like the knuckle is out too far. Also I can not depress the lower arm enough to clear the ball joint. When I jack up the knuckle it moves further away from the car.
First, can you pull out the axle and not have it go back in? And is there a trick to get the ball joint back in the knuckle?
I did the same procedure as in the "How To" with out knowing it.
Rich S.
