Does this look like an over extended CV joint?

[TryMe96Z]

Working on replacing the front struts on my 96' STS. For some reason I cannot get the driver side knuckle to come back up(as in the rotor is vertical). The knuckle feels like it is binding on the CV joint when I try to move it back into place. My guess is I possible over extended the CV joint.





I did start to remove the CV joint boot in an attempt to visually spot if I over-extended the joint, but could not see anything even after removing a lot of grease. I did not think it would be possible to over extend the CV joint with the Tie rod and Ball joint still connected.

Any ideas? I cannot find much online that describes what an over-extended CV would look like or act. What should be a simple change of struts is turning into a nightmare.

[zonie77]

It probably is. If it won't compress it's out of position. I've gotten them back together when I've overextended them. You may be able to get it back in position without disassembly of the boot.

Yes, it's easy to over extend them!

[ewill3rd]

Yes, it is.
You need to gently rotate it until you feel it slide back into place.
Be careful and make sure it feels like it goes back together smoothly.
It might be worth the effort to pull it out and replace the boot so you can be sure there is no damage.