Okay, so helping a friend install some BC coilovers. Installed the front right side, put the wheel back on and dropped it back down. Started on the left side, and found the car's leaking transmission fluid. The source is the axle. Looks like the axle popped out. He bought the car used from a dealership, never done anything with the car up till this point.

What do you guys think it is? I've never heard of the axle just popping out. Any help would be much appreciated.





He has warranty, so we're thinking of putting the stock strut back in and just towing it to the dealer. Ideas?

 

might as well use the warranty

 

Ya if he has warranty go that route first.

 

How far into the changing process did you get? If you pulled the strut and dropped the knuckle, it could be simply that the knuckle and control arm dropped too far, which has the effect of partially pulling out the axle.

Been there, done that - simply jacked up the car, wiggled things around a bit, then the axle went back in without issue. I believe that if your friend had been driving it that way, he WOULD have noticed - as in the first 1/10th of a mile kind of noticed - it is that obvious.

I'd also suggest getting the help of someone who knows what they're doing - someone who has done a few (dozen or more) of these suspension installations, and can give you tips and guidance on making sure that you don't encounter these problems, and knows what to do if you DO.

 

this...

 

^ x2, happens to the best of us sometimes, just dont drive on it.

 

yup. that's what a lot of ppl said. Thanks for the advice guys. I've done suspension about three time, and i guess i just got lucky.

 

Thanks for the advise guys... I'm the unfortunate friend with the axle issue...
I ended up towing it to the dealership and they poped it back in and all is good.
Hope the second attempt at installing the coilovers goes smoother then the first.

If you know of any other pitfalls i may run into cuz i'm a noob, please let me know... lol
Any help is apreciated. Thanks guys!

 

Jack up and support (on jackstands) the entire front/rear end at a time - this will help you avoid this issue. Make sure you have a torque wrench so you can tighten the bolts properly - gutentite only works on German automobiles, ours need proper torque specifications. Make sure you know what those specs are.

 

yup we check, it was 130lb/ft. Thanks for the advice roo!