Problem getting a new front strut back into the hub - any suggestions?

Audi thru'n'thru

A2OC Donor
I'm replacing a broken front spring with a new spring and shocker but I'm having major problems getting the strut back into the hub - I'm only getting it in about 15mm then it's really stuck.
I've checked various threads on the subject but nobody describes the best way to get the strut back into the hub.
I've tried locating the top bearings first and jacking under the hub; and trying with the top bearing not in place. I've had a go with the old 'cold chisel' to try and widen the gap but I'm wary of getting too extreme and damaging the hub. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.... thanks, Peter :confused:
 
You can buy a hub opener tool that you tap in.

I changed a front spring on my A3 and i know it can be a pain in the a**.

Lots of WD40 and the tool will help and another pair of hands.
 
thanks Paul, so the tool is a more 'controlled' version of the cold chisel approach!

Do you know where I can get one sharpish - as in Motor factors or is it a dealer specialist tool?
 
You can use a stubby large flat bladed screw driver to open it out.
However you should have related and greased both surfaces first to remove any rust so it all goes together nicely.
I tend to mount the top 3 bolts loosely first then use a bar to lever the lower arm down to get the bottom of the shock in the hub started. Then be sure to line up the tab so it starts in the slot by just twisting the hub, then you can hit it home till the cross bolt hoke shows across the slot.
 
thanks for that.... In the end I've used 6mm then 7mm allen keys twisted to gradually open the gap and an 8mm hex bit in a socket - very similar to the 'clamp splitter tool' Spike mentioned.

This was ESSENTIAL for getting the strut into the hub clamp [and for getting the old strut OUT].

I loosely located the top bolts, had the spring compressors in place, greased everything up and then jacked under the hub to apply upward pressure from below; and the strut went in as easily as I could have hoped!!

All in all, a bit of a sod but now I've done one, the other side will be a lot easier.

regards, Peter
 
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