# Strut bolts installed backward

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/strut-bolts-installed-backward/32943>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 6, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strut-bolts-installed-backward/32943 "2009-07-06T15:20:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rimtrim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@rimtrim](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rimtrim)\
**Post date:** [July 6, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strut-bolts-installed-backward/32943/1 "2009-07-06T15:20:13Z")

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I need to do the front brakes on my 90 Delta 88 (FWD) soon. I pulled a wheel to take a look at what’s involved, and I found that the two big strut-to-knuckle bolts are installed backward, so the nuts are on the wrong side. The threaded end of one bolt blocks the top caliper bolt, so I can’t get a socket on it.  
  
  
  
 I know if I remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts, I’ll lose the camber setting. Can I reverse them one at a time (remove one bolt, reverse, re-torque, then do the other) without throwing out the alignment?  
  
  
  
 -Andrew L

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [July 6, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strut-bolts-installed-backward/32943/2 "2009-07-06T15:40:35Z")

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Yes. Do them one at a time and the alignment will be maintained.

Tester

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**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [July 6, 2009, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strut-bolts-installed-backward/32943/3 "2009-07-06T16:12:18Z")

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I would also suggest marking around the bolt head/nuts onto the knuckle before starting - just in case. It may be “naturally” marked by general grime, but having some marker for correct position couldn’t hurt.

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**Author:** ![rimtrim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@rimtrim](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rimtrim)\
**Post date:** [July 6, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strut-bolts-installed-backward/32943/4 "2009-07-06T17:14:22Z")

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That’s the answer I wanted to hear. Thanks!

-Andrew L