Hi, has anybody fitted a more powerful set of struts on the estate tailgate? Was hoping to create a form of assisted opening without power. My Superb would open it's boot from the remote with just the power of the struts. Any thoughts?

Lonnnnng thread on here if you search for it. Not a lot of permanent success on here in general with adding die springs (wot I done did), as it depends on temp really, but apparently the Dutch have had a play and the struts needed are Exeo estate ones, but don't quote me on that as I haven't had anyone get back to me with an absolute, definite success with that.

 

If you go down that route and it works, let us know.

Lonnnnng thread on here if you search for it. Not a lot of permanent success on here in general with adding die springs (wot I done did), as it depends on temp really, but apparently the Dutch have had a play and the struts needed are Exeo estate ones, but don't quote me on that as I haven't had anyone get back to me with an absolute, definite success with that.

 

If you go down that route and it works, let us know.

Sorry. I beg to differ. I have uprated struts with die springs fitted for about 12 months now and they open first times every time.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/164486-automatic-boot-completed/page-9

 

I removed these from my old car and fitted them to my new car. They still work fine. Have a look through the thread to see the items I bought.

And this is on an estate cos it looks very much like that's a hatchback??

 

Hang on, you've replaced the struts as well so it's hardly just about the die springs is it?! Laguna struts have a force of 670nm as opposed to the octy ones which are only 405nm so I'd be surprised if yours DIDN'T open! As I said, the Exeo estate struts mean you should be able to open an estate with just the struts and no springs, allegedly. The maths certainly stacks up.

 

Btw, the Febi exeo strut part no. is 31648 if you go for it.

Edited 5 May, 201511 yr by blackspaven

Thanks, I'll let you know how I get on. That was an extremely long thread!

So fitted the Exeo struts but no auto opening, still needs initial lift, ideas?

Well, that puts paid to the bloody Dutch saying it works with exeo struts!!

 

The only other possibility I was looking at was A4 estate (B6 shape) struts based on the following stats about halfway down the page...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-2005-Audi-A4-B6-Estate-Tailgate-Boot-Struts-Gas-Springs-Lifters-x2-PAIR-/140896801701?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20ce1a93a5

 

...compared to the company's equivalent octavia estate struts if the stats are correct...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131203079043?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

The force appears to be 530nm as opposed to an octy alleged 480nm (no idea what the exeo ones are), but the max length is 9.5mm longer so I wonder if it'll fit okay when compressed. Would have to change the end for the existing octy ones or change the fixing bolts though. Hopefully they should swap as the bore diameter of the rods is identical.

 

Theoretically.

Just got this reply from SGS Engineering, take it as you will.

 

"Sam Bayliss (SGS Engineering UK Ltd)

May 11, 07:58

Good Morning,

Thank you for the enquiry. Installing a stronger strut will not make the boot pop open, it will just make the tailgate open faster once you have started the initial lift and make it more difficult to close.

The struts are mounted in such a position where you need to raise the boot to the required angle for the strut to aid in lifting.

To get the strut to pop you will need to install a spring type mechanism which we do not produce.

Kind regards,

Sam Bayliss
Technical Sales"

So how are the die springs installed?

Take the struts off, unscrew the end at the top of the silver rod (don't scratch the rod), put spring on, refit in reverse.

 

Still not convinced they work 100% all the time as no-one has said they have had permanent success, apart from radders who never got back to confirm he hadn't upgraded to Laguna struts on what is I suspect a hatchback, so I'm not taking that as a success for an estate or any standard strutted octy even. if you've already got the exeo struts there's a chance die springs might work for you though if they are actually more powerful than standard octy struts.

Quick update, installed 16x64 springs but no joy as there is not enough room for the fully compressed springs on the strut when the tailgate is closed. Not given up though, ordered some 16x51 and 16x38. Looks like it should work.

Yeah, there's no way 64mm springs would work,could have told you you needed 44 or more likely 51's on to fit, but I didn't realise you said the exeo struts weren't working cos you hadn't put the springs on. There's no way any strut will open without some assistance, ie. springs due to the initial force required over the design and movement of the tailgate.

Yay! Sorted! Exeo struts and 38mm red springs!

And watch out for low roofs in unfamiliar car parks. I bumped my hatchback tailgate on a ~2m ceiling while loading an item of furniture.

Genuinely hope it works longer term. My only concern with buying new struts to do it was that as they age they may only last a short period as they weaken ever so slightly. Just wary after my springs only lasted a few days after a glorious start. Fingers crossed.

 

One question, can you put a video on here of how well it opens as I've found one second hand peugeot which it worked beautifully with but the very top part of the movement was a bit too aggressive for my liking so I grudgingly walked away. Still trying to find a MkI VRS as I reckon that's the one other than your exeo.

Hi all, 

 

So I have installed a new pair of boot struts in my scout. The seller does claim that the strus are compatible and they do fit. However, my tailgate is opening now with too much force now. It goes all the way to the top and ends up bouncing shaking the tailgate and the car itself. The advertised force is 480N per strut, can anyone confirm what is the required force? 

 

Is there any way that I can release some of the pressure in the cylinder so it produces less force? 

 

Rgs

I was considering installing these around the strut / full length.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compression-Pressure-Spring-Wire-Diameter-3mm-3-5mm-Length-300mm-Large-Springs/173834894081?var=472533751319

 

Think I intended 3.5 (wire diameter) x 27 (outside diameter) x300mm.

Would use these on both sides along with the blue 44mm die springs (these are the most sensible IMO) and then a washer required (on piston part)  in between the two springs and some form of fitting (washer or possibly jubilee clip) at the top.

A jubilee clip around the strut would allow for adjustment and there was a drill stop type washer on ebay with a 20mm internal diameter that would fit around the strut. I would possibly need new struts too tho.

 

I did decide not to bother and yes, shutting would require a good slam down.

i just solved this ongoing problem without springs,works a treat

 

brilliant. 

 

very informative write up codling99

 

I've worked how to perform alchemy too. That's all I'm saying. 😁