Hello all -
I have a 94 850 SE estate, with a tail gate that doesn't stay up very well. I duly bought 2 new struts (aftermarket from gsfcarparts.com) & tried to fit (albeit only 1 side) it yesterday. Even after pulling the tailgate up as far as it would go (& propping it up), the ball just wouldn't "pop in" (as per Bay 13! and a previous thread on brickboard) as they seem to be about 3mm too long (the end up by the headliner went in ok - just the other side is proving problematic). Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to get both old struts off before fitting the new ones?

Or is there a special tool I could use to compress the new struts so they can go in?

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks
Ed

Thanks for your replies - finally did it yesterday. After really working up a sweat I eventually filed down the thread by 1mm each end, and then it finally popped in!! So finally saved myself £60 just on the parts - so worth it!! My wife now complains that the tail gate could be a hazard as it rises up so fast! No pleasing is there!

Thanks again - appreciate your replies!
Ed

I just did mine and it is a bitch. I used a 2x4 to prop up the gate as high as possible. Then put the end on that faces the front of the car and use a big screwdriver to slightly comprss the other end into place. You will work up a sweat. I only needed 1 of the new ones at it holds up very well. Wait until you tackle the broken power seat cable - even funner.

you need to replace one at a time, and you don't need to compress them.

The tailgate is so heavy that it won't stay up until both are replaced.

You need a helper to hyperextend the tailgate open for you to fit the strut.
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

I am having the same problem on my '94 850 Wagon.

I was under the impression that I had to remove the tailgate trim in order to access the tailgate stuts ... but from these posts it sounds like you didn't (or were you talking about a sedan or other types of struts?)... so I'm confused.

Any pointers on how to access the tailgate struts?

I tried to create and account, but am still waiting for my confirming email so I am only a Claim to be ....

Thanks! Linda