I have always found it difficult to re-unite the strut with the hub if the hub is left on the car. So, I remove the strut/hub as one lump, having cracked the upper hub/strut pinch bolt whilst the assembly is still on the car, before removal. This does mean you have to crack the driveshaft nuts, remove the brake caliper and crack the track rod end/steering arm joint (as well as unbolting the drop link lower nut), as well as disconnecting the ABS and brake pad wear indicator leads at the black/blue connectors on the inner wing. See my 'how to' for front wheel bearing replacement for more details. I realise this is more involved than many other folks on here would suggest, but it makes for a more relaxed job, with less risk of damage to the new strut if you have to resort to brute force to get the hub back onto it.
Pete
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