964 Hood Strut Ball Removal

[JonasP]

Hi Guys
I have just bought the Rennline Mechanical Hood strut for my C4 Coupe. The old gas struts use a ball/socket that is attached to the car. I need to remove the ball to use the new struts which use a pin similar to the top of the strut. My problem is I cant see how to remove the ball. It doesn't have any torx or allen receiver on the top or bottom or a flat section on the flange for a open ended spanner. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks JP

[964TargaC2]

Perhaps an open ended wrench at the base of the ball (which assumes that the piece is threaded in)

if that works then clear the leaves out

[bazar01]

It must be a threaded connection but does not have a flat spot at the base of the ball.
Try using a needle nose vise grip at the base.

[Noah930]

I'm no help to you, but when you figure out the answer, please post it. I replaced the gas shocks on my 964 last year, but might go with the Rennline struts next time around. I installed them on my G-body, and like never having to worry about this aggravating thing again. Maybe Rennline shipped the wrong part?

[porsche964guy]

Hi JP,
I changed mine a while back with the correct type.
My suggestion is to get the correct part. You will regret if you modify your car.
Regards,
Dj

[bazar01]

I would agree with porsche964guy and don't mess with the ball ends.
I looked at the set of Rennline deck lid and hood strut set a while back and the hood strut has the wrong ends.
I installed the factory set with the correct ends.
Maybe they have the right ones with ball end sockets available.

[JonasP]

Thanks Guys
The reason I wanted to change them to a mechanical type is the new gas ones I ordered release the fluid almost immediately. I wonder if there is an alignment issue casing this?
Thanks JP

[TorqueHead]

I guess if you were really determined to use the mechanical struts then you could cut the ball joint ends off your gas struts and attach them to the mechanical struts.

[porsche964guy]

Not sure what aftermarket brand you used that failed but Stabilus gas struts are the one I used. They are still working 5 years plus. Disclaimer: not affiliated with any brand.
Dj

[bazar01]

The stock deck lid and hood struts lasted 20 years and my replacements are still good going 7 years. I don't see a need to get those expensive upgrades.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by bazar01

The stock deck lid and hood struts lasted 20 years and my replacements are still good going 7 years. I don't see a need to get those expensive upgrades.

Own the car long enough, and they'll pay for themselves. In the 16 years I've owned my 930, I've had to replace the hood shocks 3 times. Finally installed the Rennline struts a couple months ago, so I wouldn't ever have to do the pesky deed again. Ironically, I now have the drill down to about 10 minutes per side.

When I bought my 964 a year ago, the shocks were already dead. One of my first repairs was to replace them. But if they inevitably fail in 3 or 4 years, I was thinking of going the hood strut direction. But maybe not if Rennline doesn't make a part that fits properly.