These are the damper struts that hold the rear hatch up when it's opened

Both failed in the hot weather. I've modified a doggie poo bag holder to act as a temporary wedge( filled one of the round ones with cement), but SWIMBO has problems and she's the one that gets my scooter in & out, so it has to be done, before I end up with a headless wife .

As posted, no return on search, so hopefully the kittens are OK.

Q1 - As usual Haynes is as helpful as a blank page. So ,from inspection, is it remove top trim, undo bolt and same on lower end.

Q2- Main dealer item only, or are they available from motor factors ?

Edited 15 October, 20169 yr by VWD

Theres a company called SGS Engineering that make them, they sell via their website. They won't be particularly expensive.

Edited 15 October, 20169 yr by StevesTruck

Gas struts have a rating in Newton metres and an open length, as long as you match these two numbers it'll be fine, you don't usually need to remove the bolts since the strut pops onto the ball and is retained with a spring clip, release the spring clip and the joint should just pop off with a bit of leverage.

Thanks for that info - spotted right away on new ones. Difficult on the old ones due to gunge around the fixing obscuring the clip. Next problem - any suggestions how to get them to fit. Tried all the usual methods ( rope etc) to pull them in- rope broke, with the strength of the new struts.

not sure what struts you have but I had to replace mine a while back and I bought factory rated ones, I was able to push these down with no trouble and pop them into position.

Wilsonian- got mine on line, and although they will move with the weight of hatch, I can't move them, and all my usual ideas( rope etc) have failed to move them.

Ratchet strap.

I struggled on my own last night. Thought I'd have to resort to a ratchet strap till this morning. Wife held lid and looked at both struts. Then both decided to play ball AND SNAPPED STRAIGHT ON. As Auric says- NOTHING messes with a Yorkshire lass.But then ,she's been fighting the lid for a month or two to get my scooter out as I can barely lift te lid.

Edited 15 November, 20169 yr by VWD

Your wife 'looked' at the struts and they just snapped into place!

 

Blimey.

 

More likely she was forcing the hatch open wider allowing you to fit them while fully extended. Result.