how do you replace the extending arms that hold the boot open on a hatchback?

Question

not sure what they are called even.Do you need a special tool?the garage want £60 each to fit two new ones to my peugeot.?Can I do this job at home?

what do you cal them,(so I can ask or search on the internet)

Answer 1

Best answers from horatiohog & jardon on how to remove & refit.

Have a look on the gsf (german swedish french) carparts website;

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/

As I don't know the specific model I can't tell you if they have them, last time I needed these for a Volvo they had them in stock & were the cheapest I could find. Main dealers charge a fortune for these but in reality they are pretty cheap.

You could also try your local car supplies store, my local store can usually get most parts the same day.

This is one of the few parts I would want to buy new, if you buy used from a breaker there is no guarantee they will be any better than the ones you are replacing.

Answer 2

They are known as gas struts (being pressurised with gas). Can confirm GSF will supply them significantly cheaper than a main dealer.Usually removed by inserting a small screwdriver under the clip in the end then pull them off. Refitting is usually a case of just pushing them on.However some types may involve removing the clip first. Ask when you buy them.

Answer 3

buy some second hand ones from a breaker, all you need is a screwdriver, there is a "c" shaped metal clasp holding the rod to a ball joint at the bottom and at the top, prise it off and the ball joint will pull out.
be sure to prop up the tailgate with a piece of wood or similar before you attempt this.
we sell same item for £5 each, unfortunatly ours are for saab, look for a pug breaker.

Answer 4

The rams are usually a press fit and can be levered off by using a strong screwdriver but be sure to support the hatchback.

Answer 5

You can do this at home. Normally there is either a cir clip or clip of some description that holds the arm in place.If you remove the clip the arm should just pop off. Fitting is just a reversal of removing. Hope this helps

Answer 6

yes you can first prop up the boot lid,there is a steel clip at each end of the arms, spring the clip with a small screwdriver and the arm will just pull out, do the reverse to install new arms

Answer 7

with a bit of effort they should pull off, make sure you have someone holding the boot up so it doesn't slam! if it's difficult, use a screwdriver to prize them off.
buy them from the scrapyard like someone said, main dealers are a rip off on car parts, its a pretty simple job, have a go yourself and save yourself the cash

Answer 8

some people keep a pair of Vise Grips mendacity in the trunk close to the struts.They open the hatch then clamp them down onto between the the shafts,scuffling with it from ultimate. low-cost,elementary non everlasting fix.

Answer 9

a cheap solution is to cut a piece of steel conduit 3/4 that will slide over the thick part and will lock open the thin part when opened. they pressure snap like the ball and hitch of a trailer slide the conduit and they work if they are too thick a shedule 40 pvc pipe might work.

Answer 10

Yes you can do the job at home. Visit the local scrap yard and pay peanuts for the replacements.