I've come to an empasse in removing the old liftgate struts. I can't figure out how to get either end of the old strut off. I tried a hammer and prying with a screw driver. I'm really afraid of using too much force that I miss and go through the side glass. What has worked for you?

I know that you do not want to hear this, but I replaced the struts on my two 1998 V70s (total four) about a week ago. All were original, so they had been in place for over 10 years. With very little coaxing, they practically fell off. Inside each fitting, the lubricant was still moist. The new ones popped on with hand pressure.

That being said, the design is such that you can put a good bit of muscle on the strut to remove it. You might damage the old strut, but you can't do much to the spherical attachment points.

It is possible that the lubricant has dried out and/or there is an accumulation of "stuff", which is preventing the internal circular spring retainers from releasing. Perhaps a small shot of WD40 would loosen things up for you.

Let us know how it goes.

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Dave in Virginia; 1998 V70 T5(M): IPD MOTRONIC+ ECU Upgrade, Sport Muffler, IPD Strut Tower Brace; VDO Boost Gauge, IPD Anti-Sway Bars, Rocha ABS Control Unit, Koni FDS Struts and Shocks/// 1988 245 DL Wagon// 1967 MGB Roadster

It should pop off with the a small pry bar as shown in the bottom picture on this site: http://volvospeed.com/Repair/TailgateStruts.php
I agree that's it's hard to know exactly how much force to use because sometimes it takes just enough to break something.
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's

I just used a screwdriver as a wedge and popped them off. They are pressure fitted.
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My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.