Question on replacing hood struts

[marcsalleras]

I feel stupid asking this since i thought replacing hood struts would be a simple task but i cant get the clips off the pins on the bottom end of the struts and the clips are annoying to get off period, anyone know any tricks to make them come out easier?

[Sunroof]

I just replaced the front lid and rear lid shocks and found it pretty straight forward. If your talking about access to the pin, say on the drivers side front thats a tough one that requires patience. I had to use a mirror and a long needle nose to get it off. Start with the passenger side and if the clip does not come off then move the pin to get the clip off. Spray some WD-40 or lubricant on it as it can get bound up. I have never heard of a clip holding a pin being stuck before! Patience and the right tool(s).

Bob

[ths911]

check out earlier thread: Need tips on Hood Shocks

[65_lincoln]

Needle nose pliers are your friend for this job. If the clip is to slide off in an upwards direction, I found that putting one jaw of the plier on the top of the pin and the other jaw on the bottom of the clip (and then squeezing) worked well.

Hope that helps, good luck.

[burgermeister]

As it turns out, mine didn't have a clip on the driver's side. So, I didn't put one back in either. No issues at all, the pin has never moved - it is always under pressure after all. So, if you find it impossible to get the clip back on on the driver's side, just leave it off.

[rs6er]

When you put the clips back on you might want to attach some dental floss in case you drop one while attempting to get it on.

[sig_a]

Originally Posted by marcsalleras

I feel stupid asking this since i thought replacing hood struts would be a simple task but i cant get the clips off the pins on the bottom end of the struts and the clips are annoying to get off period, anyone know any tricks to make them come out easier?

One of the first things I did three years ago. Couldn't have done it without these. They lock the pin in the jaw making it a much easier job. They can be purchased from Harbor Freight. I got both clips on....driver side is much harder, but it worked. Needless to say, spend the money to get a quality shock.

http://www.hobbytool.com/browseproducts/24--Hemostat-Clamp.html

[marcsalleras]

haha thanks, its 10 pm and ive gotta wake up at 7 tommorow but im gonna run out there and take a crack at it with the coalition of ideas i got from yall, thanks everybody

[marcsalleras]

wow so i got the drivers side strut on, i couldnt get the clip on the bottom.......you said that the hood will hold with out the clip on the bottom of the strut right?.........haha that was more frusterating then if i was armless and i tried to put a rubber on

[911s55]

Replace with this set up and be done with it forever, when mine puke again, that's where I'm headed.

http://www.seinesystems.com/UltStrut-VehApplication.htm

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by 911s55

Replace with this set up and be done with it forever, when mine puke again, that's where I'm headed.

http://www.seinesystems.com/UltStrut-VehApplication.htm

Wise advice, I put one on about 1.5 years ago, it really is a good piece.

[marcsalleras]

Wow, but wait, how would mechanics make money if things were actually easy like this! hahaha thanks for showing me, next time the struts hit the bucket I'm buying some of those

[NineOhOne]

Originally Posted by marcsalleras

Wow, but wait, how would mechanics make money if things were actually easy like this! hahaha thanks for showing me, next time the struts hit the bucket I'm buying some of those

hahahaha....

[marcsalleras]

Well it's all done, the passenger side was wayyyyy easier as ya'll said, i just left the clip off the bottom of the drivers side strut, I'm just hoping it wont slip now. Thanks again.