Hatch struts - know wher to find or fix them?

[MN Driver]

I suppose I'll just have to take a look at a few other Insights at the Madison, WI Green Drive Expo (aka HyrbidFest) this year if I have any concern for it then, which I probably won't. I won't replace them before they fail since they aren't critical to me, so I suppose I don't really need to know their current condition so much because it won't tell me if they will fail 2 months from now or 2 years from now.

[mahout]

Originally Posted by Aaron Cake

The Insight requires both struts be working for the hatch to life properly. I have had both mine fail at different times. With each individual failure, the hatch would not stay up on only one strut.

A properly working set of struts makes the hatch lift up with one finger.

Interesting. Ours didn't though one side tended to drop a little.

[Fred Kaluza]

Just wondering if anyone's found an alternate source for these hatch-support struts yet? All local parts stores here in SE MIchigan are coming-up dry. Tried, Murrays-Oreillys, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone but have not looked into NAPA. Maybe the dealership is the only game in town here too.

[Varak]

Majestic still has them for $53.13 each

Honda Automotive Parts

G1 hasthem for $52.53 and you'll get free shipping if you buy 2.

http://www.g1parts.com/INSIGHT_STAY_...41-s3y-000.htm
http://www.g1parts.com/INSIGHT_STAY_...46-s3y-000.htm

[ac7ss]

I have a $1 fix that I used for my Metro.

Get some 1inch pvc conduit (white)

Measure the distance that the pivot extends when the hatch is open fully.

cut that length of conduit.

2 options at this point:

• Remove one piston, and slide the conduit over it.
• Slit the side of the conduit and slide it over the piston.

Now you have a brace to hold the hatch open that doesn't get lost.

I got this idea from the rear hatch lifters on the buses at work.

[mahout]

Originally Posted by Fred Kaluza

Just wondering if anyone's found an alternate source for these hatch-support struts yet? All local parts stores here in SE MIchigan are coming-up dry. Tried, Murrays-Oreillys, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone but have not looked into NAPA. Maybe the dealership is the only game in town here too.

Refer to my post on 03-09-10. being cheap I use aluminum channel of the correct length to brace the worn struts in extended position for less than $10 for both tho rarely do I need but one.. saves a bunch of money just like my Insight.

[Bruce.Mackenzie]

I checked the Honda dealer here in Canada for a price on lift supports. C$139.99 + tax.
Each.

But I just received a pair from 'Lift Supports Depot' on Ebay.
US$59.95 / pair plus shipping, and because they are made in USA they went through the border with no extra taxes or charges.

.. I hope this link will work for you:
2 Hatchback Lift Supports HONDA Insight 00 to 06, Strut | eBay
The seller was mrlousstuff ...
eBay My World - mrlousstuff

I just installed one in poor light with a crescent wrench in 10 minutes. The ends are not an exact match, but it included appropriate washers and bushings to fit and work the same as the originals.

The quality looks good. I think they'll last, but we'll have to wait years to know for sure.

The one I removed is covered in oil, and the hatch balances just right now. Not sure if I'll change the other one right away.

Best part is - I get to stand up again when I use my floor mop.

[Mark Elvin]

I'm looking for a UK sourced fix for the struts at the moment, even though I'm covering less than 2000miles a year currently it still annoys me.