Gas-Filled Strut, Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, and 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

It is necessary to support the rear lid when removing the gas-filled strut. One gas-filled strut alone cannot hold the rear lid open.

WARNING:

Proceed carefully when reusing a gas-filled strut. The spring clip must not be pried completely out of the ball socket, otherwise it will be damaged. The gas-filled strut will spring out of the mount, resulting in damage and/or injury to the technician.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Lid Gas Strut

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Open the rear lid and support it.

-- Reach under the spring clips -2- using a small screwdriver -3-.

-- Lift the spring clips -2- just far enough to make it possible to slide them over the ball sockets.

-- Remove the gas-filled strut -1- from the ball stud -4-.

Slide the spring clips -2- back on immediately after removing the gas-filled strut.

WARNING:

NOTE:

Tightening Specification for the ball stud -4- : 20 Nm + 45°.

Tightening Specification for the screws on the ball stud bracket: 10 Nm + 45°

Release the pressure from gas-filled strut. Refer to GAS-FILLED STRUT, VENTING .