trunk strut removal

[Doc308]

I need to have my trunk struts rebuilt and am wondering how to remove the small clips which attach the upper portion of the strut to trunk. They don't seem to have holes in them for use of a c-clip tool.

 

[geometro]

I just replaced the trunk struts last weekend.

A small flat head screwdriver is all you need to pop the C clips out.

Keep a finger on them as you pry them off: it should prevent you from launching them into a utterly inaccessible space in your work area.

As a note, if you notice the trunk doesn't "pop" up as much as before when you open it, it's probably a good sign the struts are on the way out. After replacing mine, the trunk lid pops up a little bit more so it is easier to wedge your finger underneath to open the lid.

--
George

 

[Doc308]

Thanks, Geo

 

[OLDMNSX]

Doc308,

I would just remove the stud with the ball joint and leave it attached to the strut. It is a lot easier. I think it is a 10mm wrench that removes it.

Brad

 

[Doc308]

Yup, did it that way--the struts are in the mail to Strutwise as we speak.

 

[unit-x]

How much does it cost to have the struts rebuilt?

 

[Doc308]

I was quoted about $32 each in Canadian dollars. With US exchange , it's probably going to be around $29-$30 each.

 

[unit-x]

Why did you not just purchase new struts? It shouldn't be that much more. I just bought a set for $75 US Dollars.

What is the best way to remove the ball joint off the stud? I took the top off but I'm having some trouble removing the bottom. Please advise.

Thanks

 

[710]

Why did you not just purchase new struts? It shouldn't be that much more. I just bought a set for $75 US Dollars.

I bought brand new ones from the Honda dealer, they where almost the same as the ones I took out. The trunk still almost always falls down. Stock trunk.
Waste of money.

I have 2 new stronger ones from strutwise, not installed yet.

 

[Doc308]

Unit--I heard that Strutwise's rebuilds turned out stronger than new ones. Re: removal, since I was sending out my existing struts, I just unbolted them from the chassis and sent them with the ball joint attached. I don't know how to separate that joint.

 

[unit-x]

ok thanks. I'll see how I can pry them off tonight. Maybe its easier if I take out the stud completely. hmm..

 

[Doc308]

Unit--I just learned from reading old threads that you can't remove the old strut from the ball joint unless you very carefully cut it off with a dremel. If you do it carefully enough so as to not damage the ball joint you can pop the new strut onto it . It's apparently a one-shot install item. Once it's on, you can't separate it. If you damage the old balljoints, you'll need to buy new ones separately from the struts.

 

[drew]

Unit--I just learned from reading old threads that you can't remove the old strut from the ball joint unless you very carefully cut it off with a dremel.

Continued reading of the older threads would also tell you that using a fine dental pick to remove the c-spring will also allow the ball to be removed.

Drew

 

[unit-x]

Continued reading of the older threads would also tell you that using a fine dental pick to remove the c-spring will also allow the ball to be removed.

Drew

I think you are referring to the upper portion of the strut as Doc is talking about the lower portion where the balljoint is connected. I gave it a try with hard force to separate the 2 last night but it didnt work out. I guess I may have to replace the studs as well to get the new struts in. I tried doing a search on it but all types of junk came out. Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll go ahead and order new studs as well.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I have also read the thread about using a dental pick, the person was successful. I usually dremel a slice in the ball and crack it open with a large screwdriver.

BTW, Drew is talking about the lower one.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[unit-x]

Okay I just used the search again and went through almost all the threads under posts "trunk struts" but I have not found the thread that talks about removing the strut off the stud. Please post link if you can recall the thread. Thanks.