In replacing struts on my T and C on one side I've got the bearing plate on top turned so the studs don't match holes. Prior to putting in I stupidly didn't notice that the angle between the studs is different, not equal, thus changing the spacing. Initially I turned the bearing plate quite a bit and ended up a good bit off. My question is how far can the bearing plate be turned to correct this? Can it be rotated 360deg. for example or does this damage it? If someone can help I;d appreciate a quick suggestion as I'm trying to get it put back together so I can get inspected Mon. I was replacing the brake pads for the inspection and had earlier bought the new struts and thought I'd do both things at once. Got one in easily and lost my way trying to install second one.

 

Since no one answered with any ideas I did the following:removed the strut, put it on bench along side of the bad one and started over. On my first effort to align them approximately the same, I'd put them with the bracket that connects the strut to the steering knuckle with two large pinch bolts facing the same way. Then turned the bearing plate so that the nearest stud was in the same position as the topmost one on the one I'd just removed. On installation I put the three studs through the holes in the bearing plate and put the nuts on to hold it in place. On the first attempt when I got three of the studs in holes in the bearing plate the bracket on the bottom of the strut was so far out of alignment with the steering knuckle I realized something was wrong.. Looking at the bearing plate I realized the spacing of the studs wasn't equal as I stated originally. I used a pry bar, got the spacing right, and finally got it done correctly on the second try. I've noticed over the years when I tackle a job for the first time and make a stupid mistake such as this I tend to remember it a lot longer than jobs that go smoothly!
I hope this may help someone doing this for the first time avoid the mistake I made.