My trunk shocks (850 GLT 1997, sedan) don't work any more and the trunk closes at a dangerous speed, putting anyone near in danger (including our 2 year old's fingers!). 2 questions for anyone who can advise: (1) How do I remove the struts? They are attached to the back of the rear seat and I can't find a way to detach them. (2) Where should I buy the new ones from?
Thanks very much in advance.
Hailie

The first set is kind of tricky but after that they are not too bad. First I recommend a set of "Stabilus" lift struts, they are the factory stuff and can be had fairly cheap at your local Pep Boys, etc. To actually do them I just reach back there with my monster pry-bar screwdriver and pop the loose and then pop the new ones back in. If I recall the struts are usually popped down onto the pivot point where you pop them loose and it is usually a bit easier to pop them back on from the bottom up. Once popped into place they will not pop loose so if you pop them in from the top down or the bottom up makes no difference but it is easier in my opinion to go bottom up on the install. Hope that makes sense to you.

Mark

Thanks very much! That answered my question.

You can find instructions at Bay 13 http://volvospeed.com/Repair/TailgateStruts.php

One trick. You may find that the replacement struts are slightly longer and you can't simply pop them in even when you open the gate as far as it goes. In that case, loosen the bolts holding the forward ball joint (I remember two 12mm bolts), install the strut, then retighten the bolts.

Also, before removing the struts in the first place, there may be tiny wire springs that you have to take off.

Overall it's easy. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the plastic trim is warm or else it breaks easily.
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'97 850 n/a Wagon, 170K mi ... '98 V70R AWD 106K mi