[TheExitWound]

A few days ago, I purchased a set of new hatch struts from liftsupportsdepot.com. (Thanks Lou!) I saw the ads here on InsightCentral after some searching and pointers from fellow members. Shipping was fast. Pricing was really really good at $26 each.

I installed them this afternoon. Took me about an hour to do both sides. I wrote up a little procedure on how I did it, took some pictures too, in case someone in the future needs a walk-through. It's pretty self-explanatory. Don't let the hatch fall and crush your insides.

If you're interested: Hatch Strut Replacement

 

[Mountain driver]

Good info and procedure. Thanks.

..Bob

 

[Willie Williford]

Just a suggestion. The struts will be a little loose, but if you use a "oil drain bolt washer"
as a spacer on the 14mm bolt it will be much tighter.

I did that back in 1-2011 and no problem since then.

HTH
Willie

 

[mathemaddicts]

Thank you so much. I was just quoted $265 for replacements from the dealer. You are a lifesaver. There should be a forum with just 1st generation parts replacement guidelines and parts manufacturers.

-Roy

 

[Mountain driver]

Thank you so much. I was just quoted $265 for replacements from the dealer. You are a lifesaver. There should be a forum with just 1st generation parts replacement guidelines and parts manufacturers.

-Roy

This IS the forum for just that.

..Bob

 

[rodhower]

Rear hatch lift support and lifting the hatch

A few days ago, I purchased a set of new hatch struts from liftsupportsdepot.com. (Thanks Lou!) I saw the ads here on InsightCentral after some searching and pointers from fellow members. Shipping was fast. Pricing was really really good at $26 each.

I installed them this afternoon. Took me about an hour to do both sides. I wrote up a little procedure on how I did it, took some pictures too, in case someone in the future needs a walk-through. It's pretty self-explanatory. Don't let the hatch fall and crush your insides.

If you're interested: Hatch Strut Replacement

I also installed the lift supports from Lou and they work great. I have one other issue, when I press the hatch release button it doesn't lift, just makes a solenoid activation sound. I have to use the key and turn it kind of hard clockwise to get the hatch to release. Obviously something isn't working right or needs adjustment. No big deal, but it would be nice to open the hatch with the button instead of using a key (I had a duplicate made at Walmart for $2, doesn't start the car since there's no chip, but it works for opening the rear hatch).

 

[TheExitWound]

I think I'm suffering from the same issue, actually. Recently, my trunk electric release stopped working, but the manual works fine. If you hear a whirring, it's probably a broken plastic clip inside the actuator. I haven't yet confirmed this is my issue, but it's my next task. For $5, it can be fixed if this is the issue. See this thread for pictures and chatter about it.

 

[Mountain driver]

Ya, good thread. Prototypist (Clint) makes a good part, cheap. Reasonably easy install. I had to sand down the thickness of my part to prevent binding after closing the unit cover back up. Be careful no to sand away the 'detent' that is mfr'd into the part.

..Bob