Replacing tailgate struts
Moderators: User administrators, Moderators
Replacing tailgate struts
Hi Guys,
I just completed this job and thought I'd submit a "How to".
This is a very simple job and only takes a matter of minutes to complete, so if you're fed up with a droopy tailgate then get online, buy yourself some replacement struts and get stuck in!
Step1: Support the tailgate so it doesn't crack you on the head when you remove the struts.
Step2: Carefully remove the circlip from the locating post. This should have a metal washer behind it. then there should be a rubber spacer/washer either side of the strut.
Step3: Remove the strut from the locating post and then tug firmly on the other end of the strut to separate the balljoint.
That's basically it! Fitting is the reverse of the removal process.
Watch your chin when you open the tailgate for the first time!
I just completed this job and thought I'd submit a "How to".
This is a very simple job and only takes a matter of minutes to complete, so if you're fed up with a droopy tailgate then get online, buy yourself some replacement struts and get stuck in!
Step1: Support the tailgate so it doesn't crack you on the head when you remove the struts.
Step2: Carefully remove the circlip from the locating post. This should have a metal washer behind it. then there should be a rubber spacer/washer either side of the strut.
Step3: Remove the strut from the locating post and then tug firmly on the other end of the strut to separate the balljoint.
That's basically it! Fitting is the reverse of the removal process.
Watch your chin when you open the tailgate for the first time!
1990 LHD Hi-top JX 5Speed.
3:16 cx
3:16 cx
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Nice one. Did this a few weeks ago, dead easy.
I got some struts form eBay and they were slightly stronger then the old ones. Tried it out after i did 1 side and it nearly took my face off! so left the old one on the other side
Roof struts next!
I got some struts form eBay and they were slightly stronger then the old ones. Tried it out after i did 1 side and it nearly took my face off! so left the old one on the other side
Roof struts next!
1981 2.0 CU camper
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Have you a link to the struts?
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Hey cruz,
Do you mean the seller of the struts?
They're GSf struts:
http://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/body-e ... -gas-strut" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
£17.04
Seem to do the job, even with fiamma on the lid!
Do you mean the seller of the struts?
They're GSf struts:
http://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/body-e ... -gas-strut" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
£17.04
Seem to do the job, even with fiamma on the lid!
1990 LHD Hi-top JX 5Speed.
3:16 cx
3:16 cx
- ChrisTriple
- Registered user
- Posts: 457
- Joined: 18 Aug 2012, 17:35
- 80-90 Mem No: 12111
- Location: cotswolds, gloucestershire
- Contact:
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Did mine the other week £20 the pair from eBay. Easy job. Nice how too rhough
84 Devon Sunrise PopTop, DF. Campershack LPG.
Full Body resto completed 04-17
http://www.T25Camper.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Full Body resto completed 04-17
http://www.T25Camper.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Krugerbaydesign
- Registered user
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 15 Aug 2011, 15:58
- 80-90 Mem No: 0
- Contact:
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Got mine off Ebay, had same issue as Tysoe and ended up just replacing one as was lethal with 2 new ones on.
Paul Hawkins
Kruger bay Design
http://www.krugerbayclothing.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
VW Print Design
Tel: 0770 2071820
Kruger bay Design
http://www.krugerbayclothing.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
VW Print Design
Tel: 0770 2071820
-
- Registered user
- Posts: 171
- Joined: 17 May 2012, 10:15
- 80-90 Mem No: 11124
- Location: South Birmingham
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
I have just replaced mine, but the need some new circlips. Any ideas where I can get them from please.
Tin top C reg van to camper conversion. 1.9 golf tdi conversion.
- Wychall
- Trader
- Posts: 879
- Joined: 17 Jun 2011, 22:48
- 80-90 Mem No: 9841
- Location: South Birmingham
- Contact:
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
jocko wrote:I have just replaced mine, but the need some new circlips. Any ideas where I can get them from please.
You didn't mention the use of the barbecue fork for levering them off, did you Jock!
Here's your replacements.
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/e ... ll-x2.html
.
South African 1991 2.5i Microbus - now sadly rehomed to pay for a Melco EMT16X Embroidery Machine.
South African 1991 2.5i Microbus - now sadly rehomed to pay for a Melco EMT16X Embroidery Machine.
-
- Registered user
- Posts: 171
- Joined: 17 May 2012, 10:15
- 80-90 Mem No: 11124
- Location: South Birmingham
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Wychall wrote:jocko wrote:I have just replaced mine, but the need some new circlips. Any ideas where I can get them from please.
You didn't mention the use of the barbecue fork for levering them off, did you Jock!
Here's your replacements.
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/e ... ll-x2.html
Looks like I will have to wait till I need some more bits from them. Minimum order is £5.
Brian its is technically a tailgate strut fork
Tin top C reg van to camper conversion. 1.9 golf tdi conversion.
- Wychall
- Trader
- Posts: 879
- Joined: 17 Jun 2011, 22:48
- 80-90 Mem No: 9841
- Location: South Birmingham
- Contact:
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
jocko wrote:
Looks like I will have to wait till I need some more bits from them. Minimum order is £5.
Try the little motor accessory place on Weoley Castle Square. They are likely to have an assortment box of various sizes. Just measure your shaft before you go. ( The one that the struts are mounted on! )
.
South African 1991 2.5i Microbus - now sadly rehomed to pay for a Melco EMT16X Embroidery Machine.
South African 1991 2.5i Microbus - now sadly rehomed to pay for a Melco EMT16X Embroidery Machine.
- TomDub85
- Registered user
- Posts: 40
- Joined: 15 Jan 2013, 17:22
- 80-90 Mem No: 11949
- Location: Staffordshire
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Going to be changing mine in the next day or 2 when they arrive any advice on tackling this job the above thread has boosted my coincidence in it being a easy job . main worry is taking the top section off e clips etc
***1983 T25 1.9 Dg petrol water cooled ***
-
- Registered user
- Posts: 98
- Joined: 22 Apr 2013, 11:45
- 80-90 Mem No: 12270
- Location: Ashford, Kent
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Thanks for this. Ordered mine from Heritage and due to arrive tomorrow. Can't wait to fit them as fed up cracking my head!
Phil
1988 Syncro Caravelle 2.1WBX LHD Brown
1988 Syncro Caravelle 2.1WBX LHD Brown
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
If you are interested these people do higher rated struts that can lift tailgate with cycle rack on etc.
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
-
- Registered user
- Posts: 59
- Joined: 27 Mar 2012, 08:43
- 80-90 Mem No: 10853
- Location: Wolverhampton
- Contact:
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Thanks for the info Tim. It's on my ever growing to do list. Hey jocko where did you get your struts from and how much?
Re: Replacing tailgate struts
Standard 600nm struts do that.pfield69 wrote:If you are interested these people do higher rated struts that can lift tailgate with cycle rack on etc.
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Not sure I would want to lift the tailgate with bikes on. Got to think of the strain on the hinges