Strut replacement

[JPaganel]

This isn't strictly speaking a Camry thing, but the Rav4 forum seems a bit dead and I've always got good help here.

I am replacing the front struts in my parents' Rav4. I got the KYB struts.

Problem 1: The lower rubber insulator does not fit into strut cup. Spring fits fine without it. Do I have to use it?

Problem 2: I can't get the bearing and the mount onto the strut, the spring compressor won't let the bearing sit on the spring. How the hell do you get it together?

[Nad1370]

Yeah the rubber insulator is probably swelled up.
You can still use it though. Just guide the insulator as the spring extends.

Are you using clamp type compressor with a screw down bolt?
Is the srcew bolt pointed upward? (Strut mount side)
If it is just take the clamp back off and install it the other way so the bolt faces down out of the way of the strut mount.

[JPaganel]

Suppose I cut out the 1/2 inch of the insulator that doesn't fit and glued the ends together? That would make it fit perfect.

[Lumberg]

So the insulator is like a ring, right? Are you saying the diameter of the insulator circle is way bigger than the actual size of the spring at it's lower point? But the spring and strut part fit each other? I think that means you have the wrong insulator.