Hi guys, got a 2018 estate with electric tailgate. One day the LHS strut just popped itself off while the boot was opening. 
 

I managed to get it back onto the metal ball stud by pressing really hard and it was good for a week, now it’s off again. Looks like the wire clip that secured it to the ball stud is bent but I’m not sure how it’s supposed to look- anyone got a photo?
 

Anyone found instructions on the correct way to install or remove this strut properly? 
 

part no. is 5E9 827 851 F

 

I’ve attached pics of the damaged part. 
 

thanks in advance for any advice. 

That one is slightly different to what the ones over the years I've dealt with look like. Its a powered strut?

 

A couple of things. The ball is pretty dirty and dry. That could of caused it to bind up somehow. Or there was too much resistance on the gate and it forced its was off damaging the retaining bits. 

 

The inner metal clip on one side inside the recess for ball does look damaged now where you circle it. You could try to bend back it but may not work. 

 

Usually with the non powered struts at the ball end there is a spring band to flick off or some sort of release button arrangement to remove. What are those bits sticking out circled? Looks like you press on them? 

 

Your best bet is to compare to the other side? But don't damage it as well. Genuine parts are silly money for these. There are after market replacements and also used parts on ebay. No experience of whether the aftermarket are worth trying.