Changing out gas struts on hood support

[Astro14]

Three cheers for broomsticks and billet aluminum rod stops....but isn't nice when things just work?

When new Stabilus struts are $20 each, billet rod stops are a cheesy dead end to begin with.

I‘m trying to picture me talking to my wife, “Honey, look, you know how the hatch hits you in the head when you load groceries? Hold the hatch up with one hand, while you attach this gizmo and tighten it with your other. That way the hatch will stay up. Then, when you’re done, hold the hatch up again, and take off the gizmo”

”As you do this twice a day, or more, just remember, I spent $15 on this thing and saved us the $40 cost of two new struts, so we’re ahead by, like $25 over just fixing it right.“

I can just imagine her delight at having to do that every time she opens the hatch, and how pleased she will be with my clever, money-saving, solution.

 

[Kira]

^^The common sense many a weaker man would call 'henpecking'. Good for you.

Remember, judo gives way, boxers go punch drunk.

 

[Astro14]

^^The common sense many a weaker man would call 'henpecking'. Good for you.

Remember, judo gives way, boxers go punch drunk.

I’m sure you’ve probably guessed that Mrs. Astro’s car operates perfectly.

In every respect.

Not because she expects it, but because I want it that way for her.

So, among many other repairs, it got new gas struts for the hatch at the first subtle indication of pressure loss.

Often, I notice things before she does, and take care of them ASAP. Her car comes before any of my projects.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Chalk up year one on the gas struts. Another poster was asking about struts so I revisited this. By the way, the O-rings in the Chinese space station are holding up well, and it has been occupied for 963 days as of today. The Mexican space station, um, not launched yet.

 

[someonesomewhere]

There's a tool that can be purchased from several sources and manufacturers that are designed to hold the hood up when you're stuck with weak struts. Depending on your circumstances, they may be a good option. Here's but one example: Click Here

Tool has been around forever and already lives in most toolboxes. Vice grips, and something soft to pad the jaws if you're concerned with not killing the rod surface. Or, just spend the $50 and replace the struts at your earliest convenience.

The latter would be my choice unless the vehicle went through struts every couple months, then the VG would be a permanent fix, or a broom handle custom-fit to the application. Special tool seems silly, to me. I think my age is showing here, maybe? Lol

For a lift gate, definitely replace. That gets used more frequently.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

Fun fact: BMW and maybe other manufacturers have a hood strut extension tool so that you can lift the hood higher for more clearance (ie service position)

 

[paulo57509]

Fun fact: BMW and maybe other manufacturers have a hood strut extension tool so that you can lift the hood higher for more clearance (ie service position)

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With Acura Legends you unbolt the upper strut mount and re-position it in the hole provided in the hood. Totally irrelevant - who owns a G1 Legend anymore?

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

With Acura Legends you unbolt the upper strut mount and re-position it in the hole provided in the hood. Totally irrelevant - who owns a G1 Legend anymore?

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Clever

I worked on a Merc W204 where you just pushed the hood further and the struts would still hold it in the higher service position.