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I have identified two reasons for my inability to align the shock absorber and knuckle: firstly, I installed the spring incorrectly, with the flatter end positioned against the top mount, a distinction that is challenging to discern; secondly, and more significantly, the CV joint had dislodged. This occurred when I applied pressure to the wishbone/knuckle to remove the shock absorber. The hub/disk remained stationary, indicating it was still engaged, although it had retracted sufficiently to prevent the alignment of the two components. Ultimately, I enlisted the assistance of a retired mechanic, marking the first occasion in 40 years of automotive repair that I sought external help. I was astonished by the considerable effort he exerted to properly reengage the CV joint into the coupling by the differential. It took him approximately 10 minutes, and it protruded by about 2 to 3 inches. Subsequently, he loosened the drive shaft bolt securing it to the hub using a substantial impact driver. This was intended to enable the hub to be depressed sufficiently to connect the knuckle with the shock absorber, allowing the hub to slide on the driveshaft splines rather than dislodging it from the CV joint once more. Subsequent to all that, it was effortless to insert the shock into the knuckle. I decided to document this in case someone else has the same difficulty in the future. I have utilised computers and the internet since the 1990s and previously worked in IT; yet, I have been unable to locate anyone online experiencing the same difficulty.

I recall this being a source of frustration during my experience. I believe I sufficiently depressed the knuckle for the strut to rest atop it, albeit at an incorrect angle for insertion into the hole, and subsequently employed a wooden piece with the jack beneath it to elevate the bottom section of the strut until alignment was achieved. Required several attempts and considerable exertion!

It is acceptable. Reviewed several videos prior to commencing the task, but found them unhelpful for reassembly. I have discovered another instance, and as illustrated in this screenshot, the angle between the knuckle and the shock is markedly different, hence increasing my confidence in aligning them. Currently, it is dark, and there have been two days of rain; therefore, I will attempt again in three days.

Greetings, I appreciate your response. The problem lies not in elevating the hub/knuckle to engage with the shock, but in compressing the shock/spring while installed on the vehicle to align the top mounting hole of the knuckle beneath it. I am experiencing significant difficulties compressing the shock, and even when I succeed, I cannot bring the top of the knuckle close enough to the car to engage the shock. I removed the shock absorber, but the angle of the knuckle, as observed from above where the shock connects, suggests that there may be an issue.

I am uncertain about what is misaligned for you, but when replacing shocks and springs, I frequently utilise a jack beneath the hub to elevate it and facilitate movement until proper alignment is achieved. Best of luck.

I attempted to do mine today and encountered a minor tragedy. It took 1.5 hours to replace the spring, but midway through, the socket adapter in my impact driver broke off flush within the holder, rendering it impossible to remove. Progress was satisfactory till that point. I am currently unable to reinsert the completed shock absorber into the hub and must postpone the task until tomorrow due to diminishing daylight. I have removed the shock absorber from the vehicle, and it appears that the upper part of the hub does not align with the aperture in the wing designated for the shock's upper attachment. I suspected the drive shaft may have disengaged from the gearbox; however, there is no visible oil, and I am unable to rotate the brake disc, indicating it remains properly situated. I assume the hub's apex should connect with the shock's mounting hole in the wing for proper alignment, or does the insertion of the shock adjust the hub into alignment? I am hesitant to apply force, as it may misalign and result in damage or deformation to the vehicle. Does anyone have any suggestions?

acquired crabs

What is Pollok's flavour?

I am uncertain; the vehicle was taken to the garage, and the technician is currently driving it to and from work to identify the issues. He mentioned that it only emits smoke on cold mornings, but he could not specify the odour he detected. I observe that it is indeed a significant identifier.

Does it have an odour reminiscent of fish?

The 2008 318d was functioning optimally until I inadvertently allowed a handbag to become lodged behind the gear stick while the vehicle was in motion. Consequently, the car revved excessively out of gear, as it failed to shift due to the obstruction. The engine subsequently stalled, but it restarted slowly, only to falter again on the first incline, losing power and displaying an alternator warning. Electrical systems, including the doors and brakes, ceased to function despite having driven for an hour without issues. The garage will only assess the vehicle after Christmas; it is operational again, but the mechanic reports a significant knocking sound and smoke upon cold starts. Given the age of the car, he suggests that repairs may not be worthwhile, as it could indicate a severe engine issue. The vehicle was operating exceptionally well and covering considerable distance without any problems until I made the imprudent decision to search for chewing gum with one hand while navigating slowly through traffic while entering a town, inadvertently causing the bag to drop under the gear stick.

thanks

The Qashqai arrived last night around 6:30pm. Driver rang about half an hour before arrival, turned up right on time, handed over all the documents, and the car looks exactly like the photos. It’s booked in with my local garage tomorrow just to double-check everything, big thanks to everyone who shared their experiences it genuinely helped me make the decision.

I appreciate reading discussions of this type as they provide extensive and detailed feedback. It is reassuring to know that reputable companies are still offering repossessed vehicles in an ethical manner. Not everything online is a scam if you do a bit of homework.

Yes, still in place. You’ve got ten days from delivery to raise any concerns if you are unhappy they either resolve the issue or collect the car and refund you. It’s a decent safety net especially when buying without viewing first.

Do they still offer that 10 days inspection period? And do they actually explain how refunds work if something’s not right?

You should be fine. I bought a 2019 bimmer 3 series from Whelan Transport not long ago. Delivered straight to my door in Glasgow. Bit tricky unloading because of how tight my street is, but the driver was sound and took his time getting it sorted.

Alright, I’ve decided to go ahead. I made the payment and got a confirmation email straight away. They said delivery will be booked within the next 24 hours and they’ll confirm the date and time window shortly. Feeling nervous but cautiously optimistic!

I experienced the same feelings. I purchased a 2021 Peugeot 5008 GT Line from Whelan Transport and I felt a bit anxious initially but they were quite transparent about the entire process. I had mine checked, after three days gave them the green light, and that was that. Honestly, the process was much smoother than I expected

Yeah I get the reasoning, it just feels like a leap of faith sending that amount upfront for something I haven’t physically seen yet.

No card payments I’m afraid. We paid by bank transfer as they explained it’s for fraud prevention and that payments go into a segregated company account, not their normal operating account.

That sounds reassuring. How did you paid? I was hoping to use a credit card for the extra protection if possible.

I purchased a 2021 Seat Ateca for my wife through Whelan Transport, and it was delivered to my home in Sheffield in just over a week. They allowed me plenty of time to examine it thoroughly before completing the sale without any pressure or chasing. We had it inspected by a mechanic and was pleased so we proceeded to inform them that we were accepting the car.

I’ve been speaking with them today and they’ve already sent over a video walk-around of the car and a copy of the V5C. Everything looks clean but I’ll be honest buying a car without seeing it in person still makes me uneasy.