Replacing Trunk Lift Struts

[slamstrom]

The lift struts on my 1997 NSX no longer holds the trunk up. I already purchased the lift struts, and found it difficult to remove the old lift struts from the ball stud end. Has anyone replaced their lift struts, and can you share your secret to removing the lift struts from the ball stud end. Once the old lift struts are out, I figure a rubber mallet and a light tap should be enough to install the new lift strut back onto the ball stud. Thank you.

 

[Paul]

I too just replaced mine. Like you the new struts showed up without the ball stud. I tried everything from heating the socked end of the old strut to using channel locks. Well as you can guess, the washer along with some of the threads were damaged using channel locks and I still never got the damn thing out. So I figured I had better do something different for the second one. I got the Dremel out and carefully cut though the socket end of the strut. I did not cut it completely in half, but enough to weaken the socket end and then spread it apart with a flat head screw driver so that I could pull the ball stud out. It came out easy and since I was careful when cutting, there was no damage to the ball stud.

Reinserting the ball stud into the new trunk strut socket end is cake. It just pops right in. As an alternative, you can buy new ball studs, but if I remember correctly they cost about $12 each. I ended up buying one new one.

Good luck…for me it was one of those “up-grades” which I budgeted a half hour to do and ended up taking me several hours and required a trip to the dealer for new parts.

 

[NSXclear]

There are several ways to do this.

The easiest way is to go to the dealer and buy new ball studs.

The second way is to only unbolt the the top bolt from the trunk lid. The lower one is still attached to the side of the quarter panel frame. CAREFULLY, use your leverage to pop them out of the ball studs by moving the strut at an angle and pushing down. Might want to cover up the quarter panel, so you don't scratch it. Do this slowly and don't put too much force or you might bend the ball studs or worst.

The third way is to take the hack saw or dremel and cut away the outer shell surrounding the ball studs. But becareful not to damage the ball stud. This is done after removing the struts and ball joint off the car.

The forth way is to send your struts out to Frank at Strutwise, and he will rebuild your struts, without you having to worry about the ball studs. I highly recommend this option. He will rebuild your struts BETTER than OEM.

I personally used a combination of options 3 and 4. I cut as much as I could with a saw and then reattached the bottom bolts. Then I found an angle in which I could use leverage to get the strut to pop away from the ball stud.

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

I like this option the best

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80048

 

[jimbonuttz]

He's trying to replace his trunk strut not hatch....SOS doesn't currently have a trunk strut replacement as of yet.

I like this option the best
QUOTE]

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

He's trying to replace his trunk strut not hatch....SOS doesn't currently have a trunk strut replacement as of yet.

I like this option the best
QUOTE]

I read it too fast .... saw struts and that was it.:redface:

SOS is suppose to working on the trunk ones also ... mine are gone as well but will stay up once opened but just barely.

 

[todddejag]

Don't want to step on anyones toes...but the new part you are talking about, is only $9.00 (each).

Just replaced mine. $29.00 ea.(strut) + $9.00 ea. (ball section) from
Ray Laks Acura, in NY.
Give Tim a call...1-888-729-5257. 20%-30% discount on parts & no sales tax, plus FREE shipping!!!

It's no worth screwing something up or damaging your car. :frown:

Best Regards...Debb :smile:

 

[Coz]

Just did mine last week. The Honda/Acura dealer didn't have the balls in stock and I was tired of the trunk hitting me in the head.

I took them off the car and used my bench grinder to grind enough of the ball socket on the strut away until I could put the ball nut in a vice and wedge them out from the strut.

The balls came out perfect and I reused them. No bid deal. Took 5 minutes to get both apart.

 

[Sulley]

If I remember correctly, you can use a pick and work the tiny clip out of the ball end socket. I spent a long time doing this and it worked. When I was finished I found new ball ends were hiding in the shipping packaging. They came as part of a kit and I didn't notice them. New ones are a lot easier.

 

[Paul]

If I remember correctly, you can use a pick and work the tiny clip out of the ball end socket.

You are correct about that end...however, the other end is what everyone is talking about. :wink: :smile:

 

[Sulley]

I had to go out and look at strut.
I am talking about the ball stud end of the strut. Not the top with the exposed clip.
There is a tiny wire ring inside the stud end socket of the strut that can be worked out to remove the ball end studs and reuse them.
As some have said, its probably easier to cut off the old struts.

 

[Paul]

I am talking about the ball stud end of the strut. Not the top with the exposed clip.
There is a tiny wire ring inside the stud end socket of the strut that can be worked out to remove the ball end studs and reuse them.

I stand corrected. I did not notice the clip in the socket end. I guess that explains why that thing would not come out. I had to cut the socket to get the ball stud out.

 

[Da Hapa]

He's trying to replace his trunk strut not hatch....SOS doesn't currently have a trunk strut replacement as of yet.




I read it too fast .... saw struts and that was it.:redface:

SOS is suppose to working on the trunk ones also ... mine are gone as well but will stay up once opened but just barely.

Chris posted earlier today that the SOS trunk struts are approx. 2 -3 weeks out.

 

[Coz]

Peoria Acura in Arizona has them online for 29.34 each.
http://www.oemacuraparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=214055

 

[slamstrom]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will try it this coming weekend.:smile:

 

[Shaun Ray]

Good thread. I'm in need of some trunk struts (already got the SOS hatch struts and they're great). I called my local dealership and they said the prices quoted on this thread are lower than their cost!

If SOS doesn't come up with a kit in the next 3 weeks, I'll give Tim a call at Ray Laks. Sure this price is accurate?

Shaun

 

[clr1024]

Good thread. I'm in need of some trunk struts (already got the SOS hatch struts and they're great). I called my local dealership and they said the prices quoted on this thread are lower than their cost!

If SOS doesn't come up with a kit in the next 3 weeks, I'll give Tim a call at Ray Laks. Sure this price is accurate?

Shaun

Its accurate, I e-mailed him this week, monday and checked.

Price is 29.34 per strut, 9.51 per ball stud, shipping included in the continental US/3.95 handling charge per order. Please call us at 1-888-RAY-LAKS to order.

 

[heathbar0]

The prices ARE accurate, I just ordered my struts,and balls! and got a gear shift knob, for the best price I have found!

 

[Shaun Ray]

Don't want to step on anyones toes...but the new part you are talking about, is only $9.00 (each).

Just replaced mine. $29.00 ea.(strut) + $9.00 ea. (ball section) from
Ray Laks Acura, in NY.
Give Tim a call...1-888-729-5257. 20%-30% discount on parts & no sales tax, plus FREE shipping!!!

It's no worth screwing something up or damaging your car. :frown:

Best Regards...Debb :smile:

I just gave Tim a call and sure enough, these prices are good. He did include $3.95 for handling and I didn't quibble. Said he'd ship them later today and I should have within a week. This price was way below my local dealership!

I really liked the SOS hatch struts recently installed but just got impatient to see what they come out with for the trunk. I'm sure it will be a quality product. Thank you for the reference, Debb.

Shaun
95 NSX green/tan

 

[Paul]

I just gave Tim a call...

So did you get the ball studs too? :biggrin:

 

[heathbar0]

I got mine Friday. Installed them on Sunday in less than 10 minutes!
Get the ball studs!

 

[Shaun Ray]

So did you get the ball studs too? :biggrin:

Yup!

 

[britlude]

hi, i replaced mine, i forgot to get the ball studs ...

when I got the old struts off and hacked them apart to get the balls out, the groove that takes the retaining clip is shaped so that it's a one way deal, ie. the ball pushes on easily, and locks if you try to remove it.

 

[NSXclear]

I called my local dealership and they said the prices quoted on this thread are lower than their cost!
Shaun

I love it when vendors tell their customers that. 90% of the time they are not telling you the complete truth and what they really mean is...I wouldn't make as much profit on that part as I would like to, so no I can't sell it to you at that price. I'm sure you guys haven't heard that line when you go buy cars either. Even if they show you the invoice prices, there are other kickback they get.

 

[enkrypt3d]

Can anyone post pictures and a step by step write up? I need both my trunk struts and the hatch struts done too... Was wondering what tools you need etc

thanks!