Scott - that is a lid support spring hinge - designed to prevent the lid from falling down and hitting a toddler/young child's head should they open the chest. It's got an internal spring that applies pressure against the lid when it is being opened, but should be fully released in the closed position. That fact that there is pressure causing the hinges to be stressed points to an issue. I've never used one, but the installation location would be crucial to its operation. Has it always been installed in the chest?
