Gas-Filled Strut: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Proceed carefully when reusing gas-filled strut. Do not pry the spring clips completely out of the ball socket or they will be damaged. The gas strut will jump out of the mount and be damaged or injure the technician.

NOTE:

The rear lid must be supported when removing a gas-filled strut. One gas-filled strut alone cannot hold the rear lid open.

Fig 1: Identifying Gas Filled Strut

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Open the rear lid and support it.

-- Insert a small screwdriver -3- under the spring clips -2-.

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

-- Remove the gas-filled strut -1- from the ball pin.

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

WARNING:

-- Release the pressure from gas-filled strut, refer to GAS-FILLED STRUT, RELEASING GAS .