Trunk / Liftgate Shock / Support: Service and Repair

GAS PROP

REMOVAL




1. Open and support the liftgate with a suitable prop or block.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during service lift the ball socket end retaining clip only far enough to release the socket from the ball stud. Excessive prying or removal of the clip may result in improper clip spring tension. Improper clip tension may result in the support cylinder separating from the ball stud causing sudden, unexpected loss of deck lid support.

2. Insert a small flat-bladed tool (3) into the notch on the outer face of one ball socket end (1) of the support cylinder and carefully pry the retaining clip (2) outward while pulling the ball socket away from the ball stud (4) on the liftgate or the liftgate opening trough.
3. Release the retaining clip to its installed position.
4. Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 for the opposite end of the support cylinder.
5. Remove the support cylinder from the liftgate and liftgate opening.

INSTALLATION




1. Check to be certain that the ball studs (2) on the liftgate and on the liftgate opening trough (3) are in good condition and properly installed. Tighten the ball studs to 28 N.m (21 ft.lbs.).
2. Position the ball socket on the cylinder end of the support cylinder (1) to the ball stud on the liftgate opening trough.
3. Using hand pressure, press the ball socket onto the ball stud until the retainer clip snaps into place.




4. Position the ball socket on the rod end of the support cylinder (3) to the ball stud (2) on the liftgate (1).
5. Using hand pressure, press the ball socket onto the ball stud until the retainer clip snaps into place.
6. Inspect to be certain that the retaining clip on each of the support cylinder ball socket ends is fully seated.
7. Remove the service prop or block and close the liftgate.