Hi all,

My tailgate wont stay open, I think the pistons that hold it ajar must be knackered - anyone had this problem and know how much it is to replace them both? or could it be something else?

Thanks, John

Not uncommon John, some of the earlier cars had them replaced under warranty with a revised part.

Make sure to prop up the tail gate before changing them else it becomes quite expensive

Not uncommon John, some of the earlier cars had them replaced under warranty with a revised part.

Make sure to prop up the tail gate before changing them else it becomes quite expensive

Thanks Stu, I'll consult the Haynes and see how you loosen the top bolts/mounts.

John

Thanks Stu, I'll consult the Haynes and see how you loosen the top bolts/mounts.

John

They are simply held by spring clips John, flat screwdriver and lever them off.

They are simply held by spring clips John, flat screwdriver and lever them off.

Sounds easy enough! Jason sold me a couple 'lifters' so I'll chuck them in at the weekend. It's strange how much you value those tailgate lifters when they pack up

Had them go on our Fabia Estate a year or so ago - parts were only £15 or so IIRC and I replaced them both, one at a a time, in about 5 minutes with a mate holding the tailgate up. As suggested there is a small spring clip around the outside that you lever out with a screwdriver and then they should pull off easily.

Had them go on our Fabia Estate a year or so ago - parts were only £15 or so IIRC and I replaced them both, one at a a time, in about 5 minutes with a mate holding the tailgate up. As suggested there is a small spring clip around the outside that you lever out with a screwdriver and then they should pull off easily.

"......... in about 5 minutes with a mate holding the tailgate up............" - absolutely essential!!! Mine done under warranty 4 years ago but the guy doing it didn't prop the gate, took good side out first which flipped out and shattered the heated rear window, dented tailgate and body. I got it back all as original under warranty but took about 3 weeks in body and paint shop!

Go cautiously and save the grief, its then a quick and cheap job to do yourself.

And if you want some fun, once both struts are removed feel HOW DAMN HEAVY that bootlid is before sticking the new struts in. Shocks me and I am sure some weight could be removed from it.....