RE: Hatchback Gas Struts

ope126 · 18-05-2014, 03:16 PM

Hi All,

Just after your own thoughts / experiences with the Gas Struts in the Hatchback. The car is now almost 3yrs old and I am looking to finalise any issues to take to Ford and get fixed / replaced under warranty.
I understand that the rear hatch is a very heavy piece of work, however I am concerned that the Gas Struts could be on their way out...

When I open the hatch, I have to lift the boot upwards. From about 160cm above ground level (top of boot lid / brake light etc.) It holds its own weight (just), however above that height around 160cm - 180cm it will take the hatch all the way up. Under 160cm and the Gas Struts will not hold at all and the hatch just slams shut.

How does this compare to others out there?

mud · 28-05-2014, 04:13 PM

My car is a 2009 XR5 and the tailgate still stays open anywhere from about one third of the way up.

I'd say to them it wasn't like that originally and they should replace them.

ope126 · 28-05-2014, 04:15 PM

Cheers Mate, the car is going in on the 12th of June, so see what happens...

GK · 29-05-2014, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mud

My car is a 2009 XR5 and the tailgate still stays open anywhere from about one third of the way up.

Same with my 2009 Zetec.

GK

GT2 · 29-05-2014, 09:48 AM

I changed the struts not long after buying the car new. The tailgate opened quite high and hit the roof in the shopping centre car park a couple of times. My wife also found it difficult to reach when opened.
Anyway, I had a strut guy come out and install slightly shorter struts. From memory around $80 for the pair.

ope126 · 29-05-2014, 11:09 AM

Thanks for the update guys...

Austom · 04-06-2014, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT2

I changed the struts not long after buying the car new. The tailgate opened quite high and hit the roof in the shopping centre car park a couple of times. My wife also found it difficult to reach when opened.
Anyway, I had a strut guy come out and install slightly shorter struts. From memory around $80 for the pair.

I have the same issue when the tailgate is opened in our carport. Pain in the backside trying to hold the tailgate down a few inches while trying to unload the car. Would you happen to have the make and part number of the strutts you fitted. Would love to get a set for mine

ope126 · 12-06-2014, 06:53 PM

I was in at Ford today and they have ordered 2 new struts and a new parcel shelf!

I will report back when both have been installed!

ope126 · 17-06-2014, 08:32 PM

So new Gas Struts and Parcel Shelf have been installed.
Not much of a difference, but good to get faulty components replaced!

Shout out to Q Ford at Hillcrest! (Thanks for your service yet again!)