Tailgate struts

harvey07 · Dec 5th, 2011, 22:41

...over the last couple of days, mine have been a bit 'lazy' and they have only opened the tailgate to about 75% of the full height.

I wonder if it is weather related (low temps) or whether they just need a lub or even replaced?

Has anyone had any issues, success with fixes?

Jim314 · Dec 6th, 2011, 00:56

No way to lube them afik. These are charged with gas. Lower temperature means lower pressure. When they are new they have ample pressure to hold the tailgate even in very low temperatures. As they wear they must lose just enough gas so that they work at higher temps but not at lower. Finally they will not hold even in high temperatures.

hancym · Dec 6th, 2011, 09:53

I’ve found over the years of owning cars that the nylon bush that the stanchion runs in, contracts in the cold and makes it less free running. Squirt a little bit lithium grease at the opening when it’s extended and this will go some way to helping. Don’t use WD40 or similar as this will make it worse

harvey07 · Dec 6th, 2011, 12:31

Wouldn't be so bad if I was a wee lad, but at 6ft, my head is right in the firing line if it stops as yesterday.

docjd · Dec 6th, 2011, 18:41

Replaced them on my wifes aclass 210-just be careful the tailgate is surprisingly heavy-get someone to help if DIY

Sportwag · Dec 6th, 2011, 20:51

Most likely down to the cold weather.

The struts on my last XC90 started to get sluggish (not extend tailgate to the top) but it was an 05 model.

dyu1211 · Dec 8th, 2011, 04:10

yes, I got the same problem here. It only happens in very cold weather. Can it be replaced by warranty? Or it is a known issue.

Daniel

Ron_XC90 · Dec 8th, 2011, 09:54

wd40 seems to have done the trick for me...

Jim314 · Dec 8th, 2011, 13:23

The gas struts supporting the liftgate on my 2004 V70 went out early (< 36 months IIRC)and to my great surprise the dealer replaced them under warranty. So this was a warranty item under the terms of the warranty in place at that time.

XC90 liftgate struts should be very simple to change because they are completely exposed. In the V70 the struts are hidden behind plastic trim, and it's not obvious how to remove the trim without breaking it.

harvey07 · Dec 9th, 2011, 12:22

Haven't had time to deal with yet, but out of warranty - so not an option. Will try the grease option & feeback - thanks all

Dec 5th, 2011, 22:41	#1
harvey07 Master Member Last Online: Oct 22nd, 2016 18:06 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Aberdeen	Tailgate struts ...over the last couple of days, mine have been a bit 'lazy' and they have only opened the tailgate to about 75% of the full height. I wonder if it is weather related (low temps) or whether they just need a lub or even replaced? Has anyone had any issues, success with fixes?

Dec 6th, 2011, 00:56	#2
Jim314 Premier Member Last Online: Nov 20th, 2018 01:45 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas, Texas	No way to lube them afik. These are charged with gas. Lower temperature means lower pressure. When they are new they have ample pressure to hold the tailgate even in very low temperatures. As they wear they must lose just enough gas so that they work at higher temps but not at lower. Finally they will not hold even in high temperatures. __________________ 2004 V70 2.4 petrol 170 5-spd auto (lost 2016 June, collision with deer) 2007 XC90 FWD 3.2 petrol 6-spd auto

Dec 8th, 2011, 09:54	#8
Ron_XC90 Master Member Last Online: May 19th, 2014 11:33 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Redditch View Photos By: Ron_XC90	wd40 seems to have done the trick for me... __________________ Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD Limited 2010 XC90 D5 SE Geartronic, MY2008 (Now sold) Mitsi Pajero 2.8TD Super Exceed '96 (My Toy) Member of the Gloucestershire & Worcestershire 4x4 Response group. www.gw4x4r.co.uk

Dec 8th, 2011, 13:23	#9
Jim314 Premier Member Last Online: Nov 20th, 2018 01:45 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas, Texas	The gas struts supporting the liftgate on my 2004 V70 went out early (< 36 months IIRC)and to my great surprise the dealer replaced them under warranty. So this was a warranty item under the terms of the warranty in place at that time. XC90 liftgate struts should be very simple to change because they are completely exposed. In the V70 the struts are hidden behind plastic trim, and it's not obvious how to remove the trim without breaking it. __________________ 2004 V70 2.4 petrol 170 5-spd auto (lost 2016 June, collision with deer) 2007 XC90 FWD 3.2 petrol 6-spd auto

Dec 6th, 2011, 09:53	#3
hancym Master Member Last Online: Feb 25th, 2024 15:40 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Norwich	I’ve found over the years of owning cars that the nylon bush that the stanchion runs in, contracts in the cold and makes it less free running. Squirt a little bit lithium grease at the opening when it’s extended and this will go some way to helping. Don’t use WD40 or similar as this will make it worse

Dec 6th, 2011, 12:31	#4
harvey07 Master Member Last Online: Oct 22nd, 2016 18:06 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Aberdeen	Wouldn't be so bad if I was a wee lad, but at 6ft, my head is right in the firing line if it stops as yesterday.

Dec 6th, 2011, 18:41	#5
docjd Senior Member Last Online: Aug 10th, 2023 19:51 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chandlers Ford	Replaced them on my wifes aclass 210-just be careful the tailgate is surprisingly heavy-get someone to help if DIY

Dec 6th, 2011, 20:51	#6
Sportwag Member Last Online: Jul 1st, 2023 07:34 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Co. Antrim	Most likely down to the cold weather. The struts on my last XC90 started to get sluggish (not extend tailgate to the top) but it was an 05 model.

Dec 8th, 2011, 04:10	#7
dyu1211 New Member Last Online: Feb 21st, 2013 18:15 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary	yes, I got the same problem here. It only happens in very cold weather. Can it be replaced by warranty? Or it is a known issue. Daniel

Dec 9th, 2011, 12:22	#10
harvey07 Master Member Last Online: Oct 22nd, 2016 18:06 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Aberdeen	Haven't had time to deal with yet, but out of warranty - so not an option. Will try the grease option & feeback - thanks all

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