Unable to get shock into hub.....!

[TROOPER88]

Hello Pistonheaders

Having completed a nut and bolt resto on a MK3 Fiesta RS Turbo which passed it's MOT with no problem, I traced a creaking noise down to the shock absorber.
I removed both side and ordered new shocks before swapping all the bits over; the springs, bushes etc.

When I removed the shocks I had to do the usual tapping down on the hub/hitting the shock from the underside hard to remove it from the hub.

I can now not for the life of me get the strut back into the hub....!
I tried for 3 hours on Friday with no joy.

I have tried opening the hub slot up as much as I can but it would seem the fit is so tight.
My plan tomorrow is to buy a metal chisel and try and get the slot to open up even more, as well as trying to gently file the bottom of the shock down to taper it.
Has anyone got any tips or advice??

The shocks are definitely the correct one's.
When I rebuilt the car first time round I fitted the hubs onto the socks before the drive shafts were installed. This I think made it a lot easier.
I can not now remove the drive shaft from the hub as the car is in the air so the hub nut will not undo....

Any advice is much appreciated

Cheers

[hawko1984]

try leaving the bolt and have it sitting in the sun for a few hours, this should help to open it up abit.

[TROOPER88]

hawko1984 said:

try leaving the bolt and have it sitting in the sun for a few hours, this should help to open it up abit.

Thanks mate but all sorted!

I was sent the wrong shocks!!

1.5mm to wide at the base.

Cheers