weak trunk struts - RESOLVED
#1
weak trunk struts - RESOLVED
I don't have anything to compare it to, but I suspect the struts on my trunk lid are weak, as it takes quite a bit of oomph to get the lid up, but the struts hold it upright well enough. Are aftermarket struts OK to use, or should I get OE? Any specific brand recommended? Are these easy to replace on my own? Thanks.
Last edited by GGG; 10-02-2012 at 07:34 AM. Reason: Add 'RESOLVED' to thread title
#2
#3
I don't have anything to compare it to, but I suspect the struts on my trunk lid are weak, as it takes quite a bit of oomph to get the lid up, but the struts hold it upright well enough. Are aftermarket struts OK to use, or should I get OE? Any specific brand recommended? Are these easy to replace on my own? Thanks.
It takes little effort to overcome the strut support to close the lid.
This is what I take as 'normal' behaviour.
Replacement is straightforward. No reason aftermarket struts should be any less quality than OE Jaguar as they are a 'bought in' component.
1. support the lid in the open position (it's surprisingly heavy when not supported by the struts). A piece of timber is adequate or an assistant to hold it open.
2. release the upper retaining clip and pull the strut off the pivot. The spring clip can be pushed up with a small screwdriver to release it.
3. release the lower retaining clip, pull the strut off the pivot and remove it.
4. fit new strut to lower pivot and secure with retaining clip.
5. extend the strut and attach to the top pivot. Secure with the clip.
6. repeat for the second strut.
7. remove the temporary support
Graham
#4
Our S-Type's trunk lid pops fully open when you press the trunk release button....
Our XK8's trunk lid only opens about half an inch when you press the trunk release button....
As others have said, this appears to be normal behavior for the XK series....
Our XK8's trunk lid only opens about half an inch when you press the trunk release button....
As others have said, this appears to be normal behavior for the XK series....
Last edited by Jon89; 09-26-2012 at 12:32 PM.
#6
#7
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#8
I did replace the struts and it makes a world of difference - once you start to lift the lid the struts take over and on their own lift the lid all the way up. And when closing the lid it just doesn't crash down - now you have to use the pull strap to get it started and pull the lid down until it reaches about 1/5 open, then it gently but firmly drops the rest of the way and closes. Perfect! Thanks to all for the help.
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GGG (10-02-2012)
#9
#10
One preventative maintenance item that may help some that experience increased effort on lifting the trunk lid is to occasionally spray the extension arm of the struts with a silicon lubricant that allows it to retract more easily. I have found on all our vehicles (but especially on big liftgate struts of our Enclave and Pacifica) that dust and little particles of dirt that accumulate over time greatly affect the ability of the "arm" to freely extend. And with a little wiping off of the area followed by a spritz of silicon, its performance is greatly improved. I prefer silicon based products to something like WD-40 because the WD-40 gets stickly and actually attracts dust particles as it ages. A good "dry" silicon is less prone to this.
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