My friend put new tailgate shock things on our 240 wagon. We bought them from the dealer. They were expensive, but now the hatch opens and closes gently. The thing that it catches with was replaced also, so it locks down easy also and we do not have to try and close it hard like we used to. Maybe you are trying too hard to close it? Did you buy Volvo brand tailgate shocks? I don't know if that makes a difference. I think you also have to tell other people clearly to not try to close it so hard.