My Trunk Won't stay open

[rumblebelly]

Cheap vise grips. Adjust to diameter of inner part, place in back of jeep. When you open hatch grab vise grips and clamp them on the shaft of the inner part so they can't go down. Or just replace the old struts.

I used to prop my hatch with a length of PVC pipe. Eventually I got sick of messing around and just replaced the struts. For me it was as easy as changing oil and about as cheap. Best $20 I ever spent.

Mine started to first die in the cold, and then eventually died in the summer. My new XJ is doing the same.

 

[tompatjr]

1> Support rear hatch in open position with a long stick.
2> Pull, pry, chisel, or rip old hydraulic struts from their mounting positions (could prolly even use a torch if you have one but be careful - the rear hatch is flammable, don't ask me how I know) :firedevil .
3> Shove, snap, pop, jam, wedge, or pound new struts into place.
4> Wire or duct tape as needed.
5> Remove long stick used in step 1 and throw away (or alternatively, skip steps 2, 3, and 4 and just use stick as needed to hold hatch open)
6> Don't poke yourself in the eye with anything:eye:

Are you kidding or what? The old strusts are very easy to remove and replace.

 

[cal]

why do some people seem to think its a very easy install and others say its next to impossible?

Some people think changing a tire is technical. Others think rebuilding an engine is technical. it's a matter of experiance mostly.

 

[DenLip]

Wouldnt the new struts just do the same thing in the cold....?

No... because the new struts are fully charged. Over the years, the hatch struts develop minor leaks with age... just like a shock absorber... and lose their charge.

Trust me. My '00's hatch has always held up from new... until last year. This year, it's getting annoying.

Den

 

[funvtec]

your lucky my lift strut popped off its top mount and went through the window seal, it was kinda funny, i just popped it back into place and tied it all back to gether onto the little pivot ball with safety wire until this past weekend wen it popped off and blew upp all the plastic trim pieces around it

just replace them and i would say if they want 35 bucks for 1, shop around

 

[Rjackson32]

I ordered new struts and while I was at it I got some 10-30 Synthetic Oil. It has been almost 5k since the last change. I dont think it has ever gotten synthetic before. Do you guys think it will make a difference? I am at 113,900 miles right now. I am hoping it lasts me to at least 200 without any tranny or engine problems.

 

[FRAM]

They do it in the cold because they are gas charged. A cold gas has less pressure than a warm gas in the same space. Replace the struts, it will be like new again.

Nah he just needs one of these:

 

[Two Jeeps]

I've been using part of my shop vac tubing for the past two years...

However, they're getting replaced this weekend along with my headliner.

 

[xray]

You can get the struts on ebay for around 25 a pair plus shipping.

 

[Eagle]

why do some people seem to think its a very easy install and others say its next to impossible?

The ones who have problems are the ones who don't like to read instructions until AFTER they break the part.

It's a simple replacement, but reading and following the instructions is helpful.

 

[langer1]

I ordered new struts and while I was at it I got some 10-30 Synthetic Oil. It has been almost 5k since the last change. I dont think it has ever gotten synthetic before. Do you guys think it will make a difference? I am at 113,900 miles right now. I am hoping it lasts me to at least 200 without any tranny or engine problems.

I have never used Synthetic oil and have 250k miles and don't burn oil.

 

[53guy]

It stays up just long enough for me to get under it, then it comes down, just enough so it is about an inch above my head.

just lift your jeep up higher? lol. you'll always have problems with your rear hatch. just keep replacing them every so often.

 

[crossmax03]

No... because the new struts are fully charged. Over the years, the hatch struts develop minor leaks with age... just like a shock absorber... and lose their charge.

Trust me. My '00's hatch has always held up from new... until last year. This year, it's getting annoying.

Den

I just bought 2 new ones, OEM replacement and they don't really do much better in the cold. So either I got a shitty pair, or the cold is REALLY having a negative affect on a brand new pair.

From thermodynamics we know that:
(P1 * T1) = (P2 * T2)
where P = pressure and T = temperature.

As temperature decreases so does pressure in the cylinders.
so YES, in the cold they absolutely decrease in pressure.




long story short , i think i just got a shitty pair

 

[boostamante]

my came with a big ol stick. works for me. Ill eventually replace the worn out ones too.