06 LR3 rear window struts/piston replacement

[djatkinson]

Hello, all!
Could someone direct me to a link for simple replacement of the struts for the rear window/hatch?
Or better yet, could you let me know if it's as simple as looks?

 

[cmb6s]

It's as simple as it looks. Just grab a small flathead screwdriver to unclip the two little c-clips on each strut. Remove and replace with the new ones. Two things to note though... 1. It's best to have a helper or somebody who can hold the tailgate up while you replace one of the struts. If not, you can do it by yourself with careful positioning of your shoulder, but it's not fun. 2. Make sure you check your strut support nuts that are attached to the car frame. These have a bad habit of working their way loose over time and if they get loose enough that the nut on the backside falls off, it can be a nightmare to fix. So... now would be a great time to check them and tighten if necessary.

 

[djatkinson]

Thanks, cmb6s!
I have noticed that one of the strut support nuts is loose. Hopefully that won't be an issue...

 

[Houm_WA]

I used lock-tite and a flat wrench on mine several years ago. Seems to be working as a fix.

 

[djatkinson]

OK, got 'r done! Very happy wife!!! Thanks, folks!!!

It was much simpler than I had thought. They can be just popped right out by wedging a larger screwdriver or something similar, though removing the retaining clips seemed to make it easier. The replacements were even easier; they just snapped right into place!
I did notice that one of the ball mounts to which the strut connects to the body frame, had worked loose over some period of time. Tightening it back to place was difficult, leading me to believe that it must have started stripping the threads. Although I don't think it went completely, I got it as tight as I could, without risking snapping the bolt off. I think I'll just have to keep an eye on it.