Support Cylinder: Removal

Fig 1: Prying Retaining Clip Upward

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Open and support the hood with a suitable prop or block.
Insert a small flat-bladed tool into the lower notch of the retainer (1) of the lower ball socket end (2) of the support cylinder on the top of the fender load beam and carefully pry the retaining clip upward to the installation position.

Fig 2: Prying Retaining Clip
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during service lift the ball socket end retaining clip only far enough to release the socket from the ball stud. Excessive prying or removal of the clip may result in improper clip spring tension. Improper clip tension may result in the support cylinder separating from the ball stud causing sudden, unexpected loss of hood support.
Insert a small flat-bladed tool (3) into the notch on the outer face of the upper ball socket end (1) of the support cylinder and carefully pry the retaining clip (2) outward while pulling the ball socket away from the ball stud (4) on the upper hood hinge bracket.
Release the retaining clip to its installed position.
Disengage the lower ball socket from the ball stud.
Remove the support cylinder from the vehicle.