Section 540 (Body - Interior & Exterior): Liftgate: Support-Strut: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Strut Support

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Open and support the liftgate with a suitable prop or block.
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 deck lid support.
Insert a small flat-bladed tool into the notch on the outer face of one ball socket end (1) of the support cylinder (1) and carefully pry the retaining clip(2) outward while pulling the ball socket away from the ball stud on the liftgate or the liftgate opening trough.