Help with strut assembly

Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Location
GA
TDI
2006 Jetta BRM
I am assembling new front struts for my 06 Jetta. I'm having trouble getting the spring to seat correctly against the bearing at the top. It will not stay aligned while undoing the spring compressors. What am I doing wrong? Any help is appreciated. pic

It is all new parts. The bottom is in its notch. I reassembled one of the old struts and it seated perfectly. Thanks.
 
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