1pgwoos¶

1 excerpts.

Reddit thread: How can I lift this strut!!!¶

reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/1pgwoos · p. 1 · Applies to: 450

Source: r/AskMechanics (score 4, 12 comments) Topic: suspension lift installation - strut reassembly Models discussed: 450 Solution status: unclear

Problem: User installed a 1" spacer on the front strut of a 2014 Smart car and removed the pinch bolt to lower the strut during installation. Now the strut is 1" longer and cannot be raised enough to reinstall the pinch bolt, requiring approximately 1.5" of lift.

Solution: Multiple suggestions provided: pry down on the control arm with the knuckle still attached (SlowMK4GTI); use a spring compressor to compress the spring to make lifting easier (RowTraining6559); spread the strut knuckle more with a hammer and pry bar (Saute_and_Pray). No explicit confirmation that any solution worked.

Key facts: - 2014 Smart car with 1" spacer added to front strut - Pinch bolt removal was necessary to install spacer but cannot be reinstalled due to insufficient clearance - Limited space (1.5") under strut prevents standard jack placement - Multiple mechanical approaches suggested: control arm prying, spring compression, and strut knuckle spreading