How To Replace Rear Hatch Struts

Replacing rear hatch struts is a common DIY project that can save you money and restore functionality to your vehicle. Over time, these struts lose their ability to hold the hatch open, making loading and unloading cargo difficult and even dangerous. This article provides a detailed guide for experienced DIYers to successfully replace their rear hatch struts, covering the necessary steps, safety precautions, and troubleshooting tips.

Purpose and Importance

Understanding the process of replacing rear hatch struts is valuable for several reasons:

• Repairs: When your hatch struts fail, your hatch won't stay open. This poses a safety hazard and makes accessing the cargo area a hassle. Replacing them is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward repair.
• Maintenance: Identifying worn struts early can prevent sudden hatch closures, which could damage the vehicle or cause injury.
• Learning: This project is a great opportunity to learn more about your vehicle's components and gain confidence in your DIY abilities.

Key Specs and Main Parts

Before starting, let's identify the key components and specs involved:

• Hatch Strut (Gas Spring): The primary component, responsible for providing the lifting force and holding the hatch open. These struts contain pressurized gas (usually nitrogen) and a piston.
• Mounting Brackets: These are typically ball-and-socket joints at each end of the strut, connecting it to the vehicle body and the hatch.
• Retaining Clips (Spring Clips): Small clips that secure the struts to the mounting brackets. They need to be carefully removed and reinstalled.
• Length (Extended and Compressed): This is the distance between the mounting points when the strut is fully extended and fully compressed. It is crucial to ensure that the replacement struts match the original specifications.
• Force (Newton or Pounds): The amount of force the strut exerts when extending. Using struts with the wrong force rating can lead to the hatch being difficult to close or opening too forcefully.

Key Specs Example: A typical rear hatch strut might have an extended length of 20 inches, a compressed length of 12 inches, and a force rating of 150 Newtons.

How It Works

Rear hatch struts, also known as gas springs, operate on a simple principle of compressed gas. Inside the strut is a piston that moves within a cylinder filled with pressurized nitrogen gas and a small amount of oil. As the hatch is opened, the piston rod extends, compressing the gas further. The pressure of the gas creates a force that assists in lifting the hatch and holding it in the open position.

Over time, the gas can leak out of the cylinder, reducing the pressure and the strut's ability to hold the hatch open. The oil also plays a role in lubrication and damping, preventing jerky movements. When the oil degrades or leaks, the strut may become noisy or exhibit inconsistent performance.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Tools Needed:

• New rear hatch struts
• Flathead screwdriver
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Assistant (recommended)
• Prop rod or suitable support for the hatch

1. Safety First: Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Support the Hatch: This is critical! Use a prop rod or have an assistant hold the hatch open securely. Never rely solely on the old struts, as they could fail completely at any time.
3. Locate the Struts: The rear hatch struts are typically located on either side of the hatch opening, connected to the vehicle body and the hatch itself via ball-and-socket joints.
4. Remove the Retaining Clips: Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the retaining clips from both ends of the strut. These clips usually just need to be moved slightly away from the ball joint; they don't need to be completely removed unless they are damaged. Work slowly and carefully to avoid breaking the clips.
5. Detach the Old Strut: Once the clips are removed, gently pull the strut away from the ball-and-socket joints on both ends. It may require a bit of wiggling.
6. Install the New Strut: Align the new strut with the ball-and-socket joints. Press firmly until the strut snaps into place. Ensure the strut is securely connected to both the body and the hatch.
7. Reinstall the Retaining Clips: Reinstall the retaining clips on both ends of the strut to secure it in place. Make sure the clips are fully seated and locked.
8. Repeat for the Other Side: Repeat steps 4-7 for the other strut. It's generally recommended to replace both struts simultaneously, even if only one is failing, to ensure even lifting force and prevent premature failure of the remaining strut.
9. Test the Hatch: Carefully remove the prop rod or have your assistant slowly release the hatch. Observe the movement and ensure that the new struts hold the hatch open securely. Close the hatch and reopen it several times to verify smooth operation.

Real-World Use – Basic Troubleshooting Tips

• Hatch still doesn't stay open: Ensure you installed the struts correctly and that the retaining clips are securely in place. Double-check that the replacement struts have the correct force rating for your vehicle.
• Hatch is difficult to close: The struts might be too strong (incorrect force rating). Verify the part number and specifications.
• Struts are noisy: This could indicate a defective strut. Contact the manufacturer or retailer for a replacement.
• Retaining clips are broken: Replacement retaining clips are typically available at auto parts stores.

Safety – Highlight Risky Components

Working with rear hatch struts involves some inherent risks:

• Falling Hatch: The most significant risk is the hatch falling unexpectedly. Always use a prop rod or have an assistant support the hatch during the replacement process. Never rely solely on the old struts.
• Eye Injury: Debris or broken retaining clips can cause eye injury. Always wear safety glasses.
• Strut Failure: Although rare, a strut could fail catastrophically, releasing the compressed gas with force. Handle struts with care and avoid puncturing or damaging them.

Important Safety Note: Do not attempt to disassemble or repair a gas spring. These components contain pressurized gas and are not serviceable. Improper handling could result in serious injury.

Conclusion

Replacing rear hatch struts is a manageable DIY project for experienced car owners. By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can restore the functionality of your vehicle's hatch and save money on repair costs. Remember to always double-check part numbers and specifications to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance.

We have a detailed diagram of a typical rear hatch strut system, including its components and mounting points. This diagram can be a valuable resource for understanding the assembly and identifying potential issues. Please contact us to request a copy of the diagram file.