It sounds to me like the gland nut in the strut is loose. I use a pipe wrench to tighten these. It ain't easy getting a bite on it, no matter what tool you use.

Sounds like the mechanic doesn't know his stuff to be honest. Macpherson struts have been around a long time, longer than his career anyway... he really should be familiar with how they go together, even if Volvos are different from VWs or Hondas.

But, that said, there are brands of strut cartridges which for whatever reason require a spacer under the strut cartridge to get proper height in the tube. It's possible... but I'd think it's more likely that he simply didn't get the gland nut tight, and yes, they'll loosen up and let you know about it, in a big way.

Double check everything else with a big pry bar, or the two-man twist-the steering wheel method. Make sure all the joints have no play- inner tie rods can be hard to figure out sometimes. I think it's got to be in your struts but check all the others again to be sure.

Good luck!
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~ 92 244 M47 modified ~ 89 244GLT Turbo Conversion ~ 90 745T Auto ~ And a VW Bus~