My Octavia estate is almost 10 years old & the tailgate struts are getting stiff.

They still work but often need a small push to get them to lift all the way.

 

It's there a simple way to refurb them, lubricating the pistons? Or is it easier to just replace them? 

 

Fitting seems like a 2 minute job and aftermarket replacements are petty cheap.

 

These are the OEM manufacturer I believe so would be £25 for a set:

 

Stabilus LIFT-O-MAT 285866 Gas Spring 540 Newton https://amzn.eu/d/dnm7HOy

 

I replaced mine with new ones, had same issue as you. As good as new now.

Very easy to fit, just lever the retaining clips off with a screwdriver and pull he struts off the ball joint.

Edited 14 August, 20232 yr by classic

Thanks, I've just ordered a replacement set.

 

If I remember right from another thread, you just click the new ones into place without loosening the retaining clips? 

They aren't going stiff, it's just the pressure inside the strut has been reduced so they don't offer as much force against the weight of the tailgate, which is substantial BTW.

 

Safest approach is to have a second helper or a length of wood cut to size to support the tailgate in opened positioned.  Or work with only one removed at a time holding the tailgate whilst the new one fitted if you can manage the one handed multi tasking and have  everything arranged in reach. 

 

As for the clip, they may allow you to press on but clips need removing or pulling back to remove off ball joint.   If you can't clip on, loosen or remove clip. 

I did one at a time on my own, but if you get a helper to hold the tailgate like TheClient says it will be a piece of cake.

Edited 14 August, 20232 yr by classic

Thanks everyone!

My Octavia had been a bit neglected the last few years so I'm giving ita bit of much needed TLC.

Ordered a boot lip protector as well to protect against those trips to the IKEA/DIY store...

I replaced mine this afternoon & it was simple & straight forward.

I ordered the Stabilus part ( from amazon for €13 each) as they are the OEM part.

Easy to fit alone if you do them one by one.

The struts can be removed easily using a flat blade screwdriver to pull-back the spring clips & then pull off without any resistance.

You can hold the boot lid with one hand & fit the new strut easily.

 

You don't need to open the clips on the new part.

Just position it in the right place & apply light pressure. It will click into place without much force.

 

The "whooooosh" is back now when you open the tailgate.

Very happy for such a small price.