Problems with clamshell struts


Fubar

Fubar

Totally ****** Up
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Aug 2, 2006
3,979
Dallas, TX
Has anyone else had a problem with the gas struts on the clamshell? They just loose their ability to pop the clamshell. I have had to replace thoes struts on both of my cars. I know this is an item that can loose its punch pretty easy but I haven't read much about on here.

Anybody else?
 
No problem here, but it is much warmer down south.

I wouldn't admit to a gas probelm even if I had one.
 
I've noticed some clamshells pop right open and lift easily, while others sag on the driver's side and close unless you have a second person handy to hold it as you open the passenger side.
 
Just a suggestion

Same with both of mine,no problem just when its 8 or 9 from closeing instead
of putting your hand in the middle,put your hand more to drive side and with
a smooth but steady firm push down.And make sure the pistons rods have a
coat of lube it worked for me on both.
 
Jason's Auto Spa said:
I've noticed some clamshells pop right open and lift easily, while others sag on the driver's side and close unless you have a second person handy to hold it as you open the passenger side.
Click to expand...

That's the way mine behaves at this point! :frown
 
Fubar said:
Has anyone else had a problem with the gas struts on the clamshell? They just loose their ability to pop the clamshell. I have had to replace thoes struts on both of my cars. I know this is an item that can loose its punch pretty easy but I haven't read much about on here.

Anybody else?
Click to expand...

OK, where are you going where you get "your stut" warmed up to the point of no closure...:rofl. Penthouse Sky Boxes are gone! What's the new playground in Dallas! :confused
 
I've noticed a problem with mine - haven't really looked too closely at it yet. When I open the clamshell, it wants to close.

Just haven't figured out if it is one or both struts.

You are not alone.
 
Yep-this just started to occur on my car.
 
its common. As far as popping the hatch, There is a spring you can install instead of the little bumpers that will help.
 
I have to pull my clamshell up by the intake vent to even get my fingers under it to lift it. The struts won't hold it until it's fully open. I'm going to talk to my dealer about warranty on them.

I'm afraid in the long run they will be just another maintenance item that has to be replaced periodically.
 
I've had maybe a similar problem with mine. When I pull the release lever in the cabin, The clamshell does not pop up (like it used to?). I have to put the hand in the intake & pull slightly, &..... so far The clamshell pops up. Have had no problems with the struts yet.... I was thinking maybe it was temporarily 'stuck' to the weatherstip/seal gasket... & not sure about that one either..

I have used "Armour-All" on the weatherstrip/gaskets,.. probably a bad idea using that ???
 
Warmer weather will make the struts work a little better. It's pretty common.

Try leaving the clam open but resting on the levers about 5" open, for a day or so. Close it later and see if it performs a little better. I heard this from someone, have not tried it.
 
At the risk of sounding complacent, I think sometimes we are after a mythical Valhalla of perfection for our GT's sometimes.

My struts only pop the clamshell when the engine's hot, otherwise I have to lift it by hand.

It's not something I'm concerned about.
 
Struts can loose pressure and in cooler temps 15 to 20% on any strut made.

Also they have a double u-packing style seal which can dry out and either cause so much friction they wont work well or rub hard enough to fold over and loose some compressed air.

Suggest you wipe the shafts down periodically with a lubricant.......Bony I think uses KY Jelly:lol
 
My car is an early 05 and I live in the cold NE -- no problem with my struts. The clam shell pops up with every pull on the release handle. pd
 
Neilda said:
At the risk of sounding complacent, I think sometimes we are after a mythical Valhalla of perfection for our GT's sometimes.
Click to expand...
You may be right about but while it is under warranty... I might as well get some new struts. I tend to be picky when I know how something should work. They are certianly not at a fairure point. They just don't "pop" the way they used to. Sense I hadn't heard any other discussion on this and I have now seen it twice... well, I just figured that I couldn't be the only one.

Shelbyelite said:
There is a spring you can install instead of the little bumpers that will help.
Click to expand...
More on this please? Where do you find them?
 
Fubar said:
More on this please? Where do you find them?
Click to expand...

Shadowman posted the part numbers in an earlier post. Torrie ordered mine, I'm sure he also has the part number per my order.....
 
I am going to have my struts replaced under warranty. The clamshell still pops open on my 2006, but that is due to the springs and not the struts. When the temperature is under 45 degrees, the struts will not hold the clamshell open, as they did before, unless it is in the fully open position.
 
Anyone else find a good solution for this issue? It just started happening to my car before i put it in for storage...
 
Had to replace mine, once it became difficult to open up the clamshell without two people or a towel. Now it works just like new again, or for at least a few years!!
 
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